Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of Ukraine, Members of Volunteer Formations, and Civilians Executed, Tortured, or Killed in Captivity

On 28 July, Ukraine honors the memory of the Defenders of Ukraine, members of volunteer formations, and civilians who were executed, tortured, or died in captivity. This commemorative date was established by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in 2025 to honor all those who became victims of Russian brutality during the war and to preserve the memory of the Olenivka tragedy—one of the most horrific crimes committed against Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Russia’s aggression has been accompanied by systematic violations of international humanitarian law and crimes against prisoners of war and civilians. Thousands of Ukrainians have endured unlawful detention, torture, and inhumane treatment. This day is intended to preserve the memory of those whose lives were cut short in captivity, to remind the world of the urgent need to bring every Ukrainian home, and to reaffirm that those responsible for war crimes will inevitably be held accountable.

For V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, this date carries special significance. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the university community has lost many of its students, alumni, faculty members, and staff who stood up to defend Ukraine. The university’s Main Building houses the Memorial of Remembrance, while the university’s official website features a Virtual Memorial, which preserves the stories of Karazin University members who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of our country.

Today, we bow our heads in memory of all the Defenders of Ukraine, volunteers, and civilians who were executed, tortured, or died in captivity. Their courage, resilience, and self-sacrifice will forever remain in our hearts and memory.