By Anna Konovalenko

Photo by Mykyta Budnyk

On May 16, 2022, the Ukrainian Mariupol garrison who defended the city of Mariupol and the people there received a directive order to surrender in “honourable capture”. Over the span of four days, from May 16 to May 20 2022, all units, comprising approximately 2,500 soldiers, including the Azov Brigade, the National Guard of Ukraine, the Armed Forces, the Marine Corps and others came out of Azovstal. UN and Red Cross guaranteed safety for Ukrainian prisoners of war. However, as of now, there are more than 1,500 fighters held in captivity in Russia facing torture every day.

Ukrainians are trying to raise awareness about the ongoing injustice. Demonstrations and rallies are taking place in various countries worldwide. On Saturday, October 28, 2023, activists in Edinburgh orchestrated a rally to draw public attention to what Russia is doing to Ukrainian POWs.

Photo by Mykyta Budnyk

UWS Newsroom followed this peaceful demonstration, asking Ukrainians what are they fighting for. Two women Nadiia Karpenko and Eleonora Pavlovska came there on Saturday to remind people in Scotland what is going on with Ukrainian POWs. 

Nadiia Karpenko told UWS Newsroom why she was there on Saturday:

‘They (Ukrainian POWs-UWS Newsroom) are held in Russia for far too long in captivity. We know there are three camps with inhumane conditions. They don’t even have medical attention and a lot of soldiers need it because they are beaten and tortured there.’

There is a common belief that the Azov brigade who was among Mariupol defenders is ultra-right wing. Thus a lot of people on the street were coming and asking if Azov were not fascist. We asked Nadiia how she reacts in such situations.

She explained:

‘This is Russian propaganda. You just need to go and look who the actual fascists are. If Azov has some traditions like torchlight procession you’ll find that this ritual has historical roots dating back to medieval times, which can also be during carnivals. Where do you see fascism?’ 

‘Putin needs a scapegoat. He told his people that they captured fascists, so they organise staged trials. We know that Azovstal defenders didn’t attack anyone they protected their people. We want them to be released and immediately.’

Photo by Mykyta Budnyk

The rally has a diverse crowd. UWS Newsroom also talked to Dmytro, a photography student, and asked him to describe his role there on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

‘I came here to support activists and Ukraine, but also to take photographs and highlight that people are still coming to such rallies and that the problem (Ukrainian POWs held captive in Russia-UWS Newsroom) is still there. I want to use those photos to show local people that the war in Ukraine is ongoing. This is my ultimate goal.’

As the full-scale war in Ukraine will soon reach the two-year mark, the level of public attention falls. Dmytro expressed his ideas on alternative ways to involve people in the ongoing issues that Ukraine faces every day.

He commented: 

‘Apart from protests, we should raise awareness within our communities. This can include organizing charity events, telling people about art, exhibiting Ukrainian artists, and emphasizing that artistry is at risk of disappearing now. Many artists are losing their lives precisely because of Russian aggression. This is crucial to guide people toward various areas which pique their interest.’

Photo by Mykyta Budnyk

Mykyta Budnyk is a Ukrainian journalist who came for a protest to express solidarity with Ukraine amidst war. His main goal was to take photos and videos, with the further intention of sharing them on social media. Mykyta told UWS Newsroom that even though UK media has done a lot to cover the events in Ukraine he sees the decline of attention towards Ukraine in the news.

Mykyta commented:

‘Unfortunately, the media still works under very limited resources.’

‘In the second year of the large-scale Russian invasion, I see local media attention on the Russian-Ukrainian war gradually fading away. This happens due to the rise of other conflicts, economic crises and Russian propaganda working against Ukraine. That is why, as I see it, the task of the local Ukrainian community is to initiate more support, attract the attention of local media and fight against Russian propaganda.’

Photo by Mykyta Budnyk