In Kyiv establishments, 'reserves' for prisoners of war have appeared: what does this mean.

Support for Heroes in Captivity

On May 20, many establishments in Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine introduced reserve signs for heroes who are currently in captivity. This is part of the nationwide campaign Still in Captivity, organized by Rinat Akhmetov's project 'Heart of Azovstal', which provides support to the defenders of Mariupol and their families.

The campaign is dedicated to the third anniversary of the completion of the defense of Mariupol. On May 20, 2022, the last defenders of the city, under orders from military leadership, surrendered at the Azovstal plant.

Dozens of businesses from across Ukraine joined the campaign, including: TSUM Kyiv, Egersund, Multiplex, one love, Ponchyk Boy, Milk Bar, Varus, Goodwine, and others.

Last year, 'Heart of Azovstal' conducted the advocacy campaign Free Mariupol Defenders. This year, we decided to make it even more large-scale by involving various businesses and brands. This is important because our prisoners of war are in absolute informational isolation. They are subjected to psychological pressure, particularly by being told that they are forgotten, that they are not needed by their state. Such campaigns are a way to show that we are waiting for them. And the more people involved, the better. It also provides support for families who are waiting for their loved ones from captivity. They see that they are not alone in their waiting. That we are waiting for and fighting for them together

The goal of the campaign is to draw attention to the issue of releasing Ukrainian prisoners of war, as 2000 defenders of Mariupol are still in captivity.

Ukrainian businesses, together with public organizations, have united once again to remind the world of the need for support for the brave defenders of Mariupol who remain in captivity. The 'Still in Captivity' campaign took place in several cities of Ukraine and demonstrated the unity and solidarity of the Ukrainian society during this difficult Time.