The first event of 2025 at Ukraine House in Washington, D.C., brought together diplomats, media representatives, and the Ukrainian community to meet three remarkable Ukrainians: Crimean Tatar politician and journalist Nariman Dzhelyal, human rights activist Maksym Butkevych, and Sergeant Valeriy Horishniy of the 12th Azov Special Operations Brigade. These heroes, who spent over two years in Russian captivity, shared their experiences of surviving torture, starvation, and systematic violations of international law by the aggressor.
This was report by Ukraine House.
The event, organized by Ukraine House, coincided with a significant day when Ukraine welcomed home 25 military and civilian prisoners of war. The recently liberated heroes are currently on an important visit to the U.S. along with experts from the Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. They also addressed an informal session of the UN Security Council in New York, giving voice to those still suffering in Russian prisons.
“They shared their experiences in Russian jails, testified about cruel treatment and fabricated charges, and called on the international community to expedite the process of freeing Ukrainian prisoners of war and unlawfully detained civilians. Their powerful messages resonated far beyond the walls of the UN. Unexpectedly, the event not only brought Ukraine back into focus but also reminded everyone why Ukraine's victory is so vital,” said Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova.
Maksym Butkevych, a volunteer, was captured near Luhansk in June 2022 and sentenced to 13 years in prison for defending his country. Crimean Tatar activist Nariman Dzhelyal was arrested after participating in the Crimea Platform and sentenced to 17 years in a maximum-security penal colony on fabricated charges. Azov fighter Valeriy Horishniy heroically defended Mariupol and spent over two years in captivity.
During the event, attendees heard how Valeriy Horishniy, a former English teacher, wrote poetry to maintain his mental resilience, while Maksym Butkevych and Nariman Dzhelyal found inspiration in Viktor Frankl's books. Their stories touched the hearts of everyone present and underscored the importance of preserving humanity even in the harshest conditions.
Ambassador Oksana Markarova emphasized the need to remember those still held in Russian captivity and to do everything possible to secure their return.
Photo: Ukraine House
Author: Inna Mikhno