In Sacramento, California, the Ukrainian community honored the memory of the Azovstal defenders who died in Russian captivity during the terrorist attack on the prison camp in Olenivka. Ahead of the fourth anniversary of the tragedy, participants named the fallen defenders, called for the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war, and emphasized the need to continue drawing the international community’s attention to Russia’s war crimes against Ukraine.
This was reported by Sunflower Society co-organizer Olga Noshyn.
The event took place ahead of the anniversary of the tragedy in Olenivka, where dozens of Ukrainian prisoners of war—mostly defenders of Azovstal—were killed in an explosion on the night of July 29, 2022, at a prison camp controlled by Russian forces. According to the Ukrainian side, 53 service members were killed and another 130 were wounded.
During the event, participants commemorated the fallen defenders by name, expressed support for their families, and prayed together for the Ukrainian prisoners of war who remain in Russian captivity. The organizers emphasized that, according to their information, around 900 Azovstal defenders are still being held captive by Russia.
“We gathered to honor their heroic sacrifice, say their names, support their families from the Olenivka Community, and pray for every Ukrainian hero who is defending our freedom,” Olha Noshyn said.
The Sunflower Society emphasized that it continues to conduct public awareness campaigns in California to remind American society of Russia’s crimes against Ukraine and to counter Russian propaganda.
At the conclusion of the event, the organizers thanked everyone who took part, noting that such actions are an important expression of solidarity with Ukrainian defenders, their families, and all those who continue to fight for the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Photo: Vadym Kvasnevskyi
Author: Inna Mikhno