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Kyiv, 11 September 2025: – ICMP partner family associations and civil society organizations across Ukraine held numerous events to mark International Day of the Disappeared. The growing number of commemorations reflects the growing number of missing as a result of the Russian invasion.
Events were organized, among others, to honor Ukrainian soldiers who were ambushed while withdrawing from Ilovaisk under an agreed truce in 2014, and this year, the commemorations coincided with a day of mourning in Kyiv for victims of a recent Russian airstrike.
While the commemorations articulated grief, they were also illuminated by solidarity, compassion, and resolve.
29 August 2025 – Kyiv Events
On 29 August, ICMP’s partner NGO, Women of the Family (Zhinky Rody) hosted an event titled “SILENT VOICES: When Absence Screams” at the Ukrainian House international convention center in Kyiv. The gathering brought together more than 100 families of the missing, along with government officials, civil society representatives, religious leaders, international partners, and journalists, and created a vital space for dialogue, solidarity, and mutual support.
Media coverage:
The same day, ICMP’s long-standing partner, Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR), held a press conference titled “Between Bakhmut and Russian Colonies: The Search for Three Thousand Missing Soldiers in Battles with PMC Wagner.”
The event shed light on the disappearance of nearly 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers during fierce battles near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. These soldiers, drawn from multiple brigades, went missing in confrontations with the Wagner Group – a private military entity operating outside official Russian command structures. Wagner maintained its own lists of prisoners and casualties, which are not reflected in Russia’s official military records, making it extremely difficult to trace or confirm the fate of the missing.
MIHR highlighted the urgent need for public dialogue and thorough documentation to maintain pressure on the authorities and ensure that these cases remain visible.
Watch the full discussion in English: YouTube link
Also on 29 August, the Center for Human Rights ZMINA presented an analytical report:
“How the Practice of Arbitrary Detention and Enforced Disappearances Has Changed Under Occupation: Analysis of Documented Cases in 2023–24.”
The report explores Russia’s evolving tactics of repression in occupied Ukrainian territories. It describes how, since the start of the full-scale invasion, arbitrary detentions have shifted from suppressing resistance to a systematic campaign against Ukrainian identity – coordinated by the Russian Federation’s FSB.
- Read the report at: https://zmina.ua/en/publication-en/how-the-practice-of-arbitrary-detention-and-enforced-disappearance-has-evolved-under-occupation-an-analysis-of-documented-cases-2023-2024/
30 August 2025 – Local Advocacy and Commemoration in Obolon
On 30 August, Halyna Borovyk – a member of the NGO, Unbreakable 72nd Brigade, and a participant in ICMP’s capacity-building program – shared a powerful example of successful local advocacy. Together with other families of the missing from the Obolon district in Kyiv, she helped establish a family association that actively engages with local authorities to keep attention focused on the challenges faced by relatives of the disappeared.
This year, the association, in collaboration with local government representatives, secured agreement to create a public space dedicated to commemorating missing persons. To mark International Day of the Disappeared, they initiated the planting of an Alley of Red Kalyna trees. The Red Kalyna, a national symbol of resilience and remembrance, stands as a living tribute to the missing.
Regional Commemorations – 30 August 2025
Dnipro
ICMP sub-grantee, the Association of Relatives of Missing Persons NADIIA, marked International Day of the Disappeared with a concert and rally at Europe Square in Dnipro. As one of Ukraine’s oldest organizations addressing the issue of missing persons, NADIIA brought together families of those lost between 2014 and 2021 and since the full-scale invasion in 2022.
“We want to remind everyone about those who have been missing since 2014 and those who continue to disappear. We search, we wait, and we hope to bring the living home for rehabilitation – and to bury the dead with dignity on our land.” – Yadviha Lozynska, head of NADIIA.
Media coverage:
Myrhorod, Poltava Region
The NGO, Wheels, hosted a public commemoration in Myrhorod, unveiling the memorial sign “Heart of Hope” in the city’s main square. The installation symbolizes faith, unity, and the enduring spirit of those who wait. Next to it stand the newly introduced Flag of Hope – white for freedom and return, black for pain and loss. Attendees tied white ribbons bearing the names or call signs and disappearance dates of loved ones, creating a lasting tribute to those still missing.
Volodymyrets, Rivne Region
ICMP sub-grantee, the Center for Psychosocial Support, organized a peaceful demonstration and unveiled a memorial banner honoring more than 100 missing service personnel from Varash district. The NGO also released a video highlighting phrases that should be avoided when speaking to families of the missing – phrases such as “Any news yet?” or “You must be strong”, and it offered practical guidance on how to show genuine care and support.
“Despite the trials they face, families of the missing remain part of our society. Small acts of compassion can help them on the long journey toward healing.” – Center for Psychosocial Support
Media coverage:
Shostka, Sumy Region
The newly formed NGO, the Union of Families of Missing Persons of Sumy Region, organized commemorative activities in Shostka for the first time. The centerpiece was the “Tree of Hope”, an art installation with branches that had been distributed to communities in Sumy, Romny, Krolevets, and Okhtyrka. Families placed ribbons on the branches with the names and call signs of their missing loved ones.
Due to ongoing shelling, the final event was held in a bomb shelter. The branches were brought together to form one tree, which will be exhibited in Kyiv in October before returning to Shostka.
“Thousands of Ukrainian families live with the pain of uncertainty. But together, we turn tears into strength and pain into hope.” – Union of Families of Missing Persons of Sumy Region
The group also set up memorial billboards featuring photos of missing defenders – reminders that these individuals are not statistics, but loved ones still awaited at home.
Media coverage:
Chernivtsi
The NGO, Center for Social and Human Rights Initiatives, held a joint prayer and peaceful demonstration in Chernivtsi’s main square. Families placed empty army boots marked with dates and locations of disappearance — a haunting and symbolic exercise to honor missing and detained service personnel.
Media coverage:
Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Region
Despite being located just eight kilometers from the front line and under constant shelling, ICMP grantee, the Ukrainian Institute of Anti-Crisis Management, organized an online event uniting local authorities, police, families, and community members.
The city continues to face evacuations and the collapse of essential services, yet the NGO remains active, offering support and solidarity.
“We want every family to know: you are not alone in your pain. We are here for you. We are together.” – Ukrainian Institute of Anti-Crisis Management
Lviv
The NGO, Families of Fallen Defenders of the Lviv Region, presented “Together in Hope” in the courtyard of Lviv City Council. About 30 participants – including families of the missing, actors from Zhyvart Improvisation Theater, and psychologists – collaborated to create a therapeutic performance. Through storytelling and play, they found space to process grief and reclaim hope.
From Silence to Strength: Amplifying Voices of the Disappeared
Across Ukraine, families of the missing continue to transform grief into action, remembrance into resolve. From quiet prayer to powerful public demonstrations, their voices echo through cities and villages, reminding us that behind every disappearance is a story that must be told. ICMP’s Ukraine Program is committed to supporting family associations and civil society organizations – ensuring that they are visible and heard, and never forgotten.
