Flag of Hope raised in Mykolaiv to support prisoners and missing persons

Mykolaiv joined the initiative to raise the Flag of Hope, a symbol of support for captured and missing Ukrainians. The flag was solemnly installed on the main square of the city with the participation of Hero of Ukraine Serhiy Volynskyi, officials, military personnel and relatives of the prisoners.

This was reported by the press service of the Mykolaiv City Council.

Mykolaiv has joined the all-Ukrainian initiative to raise the white and black Flag of Hope, a symbol of support for Ukrainian military and civilians who are in captivity or missing. The social project was launched by Serhiy Volynsky, Hero of Ukraine and head of the Stalevy Charitable Foundation.

On July 7, a symbolic flag was solemnly raised next to the national flag on the city's main square. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych, Head of Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration Vitaliy Kim, military personnel, veterans, activists, and relatives of those who have not yet returned from captivity.

"Today we are raising the Flag of Hope, which is a symbol that Mykolaiv residents are waiting for each and every one of those who are currently in captivity or missing," Senkevych emphasized.

Sergiy Volynsky thanked the residents of the city and region for their support and noted that this flag is simple but deep in meaning. The black color represents suffering, captivity, and death. White represents faith in the return.

The flag was raised by soldiers Halyna and Mykola Hrytsenyak, who themselves went through captivity and returned home. Now the Flag of Hope is flying over Mykolaiv as a sign of unity, struggle, and faith that all prisoners and missing persons will return home.

On Sunday, July 6, a weekly action to remind of Ukrainian prisoners of war and missing defenders took place in the center of Mykolaiv. Despite the danger of shelling, the event was attended by about 170 people, who held posters with the names of those who are still missing. The action is intended to remind the public and the authorities that the war is ongoing and hundreds of defenders are still waiting for their release.

In early June, marines returned to Ukraine as part of another exchange. According to the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilynsky, the patronage service met their comrades on their native land, and they will have to undergo a period of adaptation and recovery.

Анна Літман