People are #NotStatistics

Thirty-five months ago, the defenders of Mariupol were given a chance to return home. They walked out of Azovstal exhausted, wounded, and scarred by war—but with hope. Instead, they were met with captivity, pain, and silence. Nearly three years have passed, and hundreds of our heroes remain in enemy captivity. They are victims not only of combat, but of indifference, neglect, and abandonment.

On April 24, the NGO Olenivka Community  announced an indefinite hunger strike—a cry from the soul, a gesture of solidarity with those who survived hell but are still imprisoned. This is more than a protest—it is a demand for action, attention, and truth.

The Olenivka tragedy became a symbol of a war crime that remains unpunished. Nina, a paramedic and one of the survivors, recalled:

“There was a terrorist attack in Olenivka—a killing, a war crime… It was one of the worst days. We were about 500 meters away. We heard the explosion. We heard the guys screaming, calling for help. And no one came for hours…”

She was locked in another room, blindfolded, completely isolated.

The conditions of captivity were inhumane. Prisoners received just half a plastic cup of food per day. In an informational vacuum, they were told that Ukraine no longer existed, that no one was waiting for them at home.

“No one needs you,” the guards repeated daily.
It was psychological torture no less painful than physical abuse.

Anna Lobova, co-founder of Olenivka Community and wife of POW Oleh Lobov, stated:

“We came to protest to remind society, the authorities, and the international community that our defenders have now been in captivity for three years. They left already wounded, without medical care, pushed to the brink. And today, Kyiv must remember who made it possible for us to walk under a peaceful sky.”

Members of the NGO Ukrainian Women’s Battalion also joined the protest. The head of the organization, Alyona Danilova, emphasized:

“Our mission is not to let our heroes become statistics. We are here to remember and to remind. We stand in solidarity with everyone waiting for a loved one to come home—and with those who never will. Sadly, the names of the captured or fallen too often become numbers. It is our duty to make sure they are never forgotten—nor this war.”

And already on April 25, it became clear: the protest was heard. Representatives from the Office of the President came out to meet the demonstrators. They listened to the families of the POWs, acknowledged their demands, and promised concrete actions. In response, Olenivka Community announced the end of the hunger strike. The protest had achieved its first breakthrough—silence was broken.

Today, Olenivka is more than a place. It is a symbol of impunity that still persists. It is a memorial to the living, the imprisoned, the disregarded. It is a call not to stay silent—because silence kills a second time.

We can still act. We must support those who fight for our future every day.

The Ukrainian Women’s Battalion continues to collect vital equipment for our defenders. Among the most urgent needs right now are Mavic 3T drones. That’s why we’re launching a new fundraising campaign—and calling on you to join.

Our goal is to raise 2 500 000 UAH in one month to purchase drones that save lives and bring us closer to victory.

We must stand beside those holding the front. Donate. Share. Support.

As long as there is someone to return home—we must not stop.