A ceremony took place in Kyiv where flowers were laid at the Wall of Remembrance for fallen soldiers and the Memorial Complex of Heroes of Kyiv. Mayor Vitali Klitschko, along with families of the fallen, paid tribute to the heroes.

Today, on Memorial Day for Defenders of Ukraine, we honor those who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of our country.

The mayor of Kyiv reported that over 150,000 Kyiv residents are currently defending our country at the front. We express our gratitude to everyone fighting for Ukraine.

August 29 is the day we remember those who died in the struggle for our country’s independence and territorial integrity.

On this day in 2014, one of the most tragic events of the war occurred when Ukrainian forces were encircled in Ilovaisk. Hundreds of our defenders lost their lives.

The sunflower has become a symbol of this day, representing the courage and life of Ukrainian soldiers.