Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of Ukraine: honoring the Heroes who gave their lives for freedom

August 29 is a date forever inscribed in the modern history of our country. It is the Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of Ukraine who died in the struggle for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of our state.

This day was chosen for a reason. On August 29, 2014, near Ilovaisk, Russian troops treacherously opened fire on Ukrainian units that were withdrawing from encirclement through the so-called “green corridor.” Under the scorching sun, among the ripened sunflowers, hundreds of soldiers fell. The sunflower became a symbol of this tragic date — a symbol of life cut short by war, but which continues to sprout in our memory.

The current Russian–Ukrainian war has been going on for more than eleven years. During this time, tens of thousands of our warriors — men and women of different ages, professions, and life paths — have been killed. They were united by their love for Ukraine and their readiness to fight for freedom.

With pain and unspeakable sorrow, we remember the members of the Karazin University community who gave their lives for peace and the future of Ukraine. Their names are forever engraved in our hearts. Everyone can visit the pages of the virtual Memorial of Remembrance on the university’s website to bow their heads before their heroism.

Light a candle of memory, support the families of the fallen with kind words and concrete deeds. For memory is not only mourning, but also responsibility.

We remember. We honor. We fight.