The goal of the rally is to draw international attention to the ongoing captivity of over 2,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russia. It aims to break the silence that has surrounded, for the third year in a row, the daily violations of their rights: torture, isolation, and both psychological and physical abuse. Ukrainian heroes who defended Mariupol and survived Russian captivity will share their personal stories of war and imprisonment.
Participants will honor the memory of the defenders who resisted Russian forces for 86 days and will publicly call for increased international pressure on Russia to comply with the Geneva Conventions and immediately release all POWs.
The event is organized by the NGO Heart of Azovstal, in partnership with Rebirth.Ukraine and Kind Deeds and will be held in New York City Hall.