Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs held events to commemorate the Day of Commemoration of the Defenders of Ukraine, members of volunteer formations, and civilians who were executed, tortured, or died in Russian captivity. The commemoration was attended by the university’s Rector, third-rank Police General Valerii Sokurenko, Vice-Rectors, Directors of Eeducational and Research Institutes, employees, cadets, and students.

Addressing those present, Valerii Sokurenko emphasized that today Ukraine bows its head to people who remained loyal to their state until the end. He emphasized that the memory of every Defender, every citizen whose life was cut short in Russian captivity, should live not only in memorable dates and memorials, but also in our affairs, unity and responsibility to the state.

The participants of the event honored the memory of the fallen Defenders of Ukraine, members of volunteer formations, civilians and deceased employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine with a minute of silence. After that, the students laid flowers at the monuments and memorial sites, and as a sign of mourning, the State Flags of Ukraine were lowered to half-mast on the university grounds. Employees, cadets and students attached black ribbons to their clothes as a symbol of memory of all those who died in Russian captivity, became victims of torture or were executed.

As part of the commemorative events, employees of the Department of Social and Humanitarian Work held an informational and educational meeting for cadets dedicated to the history of the introduction of the commemorative date and its significance for Ukrainian society. Special attention was paid to the tragedy in Olenivka, as well as documentary evidence of Ukrainian servicemen released from Russian captivity.

The university's ERI also joined the commemoration. In the ERI No. 5, the commemorative event was held by the Director of the institute, Oksana Brusakova, who emphasized the importance of preserving national memory and educating young people in the spirit of respect for the feat of the Ukrainian Defenders. The participants of the hostilities, Major of Justice Yaroslav Borysochev, also spoke before the students, who spoke about Russia's violation of international humanitarian law regarding Ukrainian prisoners of war, the need to document war crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The memory of those who gave their lives for Ukraine or died in Russian captivity remains a moral obligation of Ukrainian society. That is why honoring the Defenders of Ukraine, members of volunteer formations and civilians who became victims of Russian aggression is an integral part of national memory and education of the younger generation.