1,500 Victims in 38 Days of Occupation: Kyiv Region Commemorates Those Who Died During Russian Invasion

In the Kyiv region, commemorative events took place to honor the memory of the victims of Russian aggression who perished during the 38 days of occupation. Oleksiy Kalashnyk, the head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration (OVA), shared this information on his Telegram channel, as reported by Ukrinform.

Kalashnyk noted that it has been four years since the beginning of this tragedy, yet the memories of those 38 days of occupation still linger as a profound pain in the hearts of many. He emphasized that Kyiv region was one of the first areas to bear the brunt of the aggressor's attack. It was on the outskirts of the capital that the enemy attempted to break the Ukrainian resistance.

During the occupation, approximately 1,500 civilians lost their lives in the Kyiv region, and over 300 individuals are still considered missing. Kalashnyk stressed that society must not become accustomed to such figures, as they reflect the immense price Ukrainians pay for their freedom.

“Unfortunately, some of our people remain in Russian captivity today. These are civilians who are unlawfully detained, deprived of basic rights and freedoms. This poses yet another challenge for us as a state and society,” Kalashnyk remarked.

Together with acting head of the Kyiv Regional Council, Yaroslav Dobryansky, Kalashnyk had the honor of recognizing those who were a pillar of support for the Kyiv region during the most challenging days and continue to be so today. State awards were presented to military personnel, rescuers, law enforcement officers, medical staff, volunteers, and community representatives—individuals who saved, evacuated, defended, and restored. Each of them exemplifies strength, responsibility, and humanity.

“Kyiv region withstood thanks to its people—military personnel, volunteers, rescuers, medical workers, law enforcement officers, volunteers, and ordinary residents who stood by each other during the toughest moments and did everything possible to save lives,” Kalashnyk underscored.

The head of the OVA also recounted numerous heroic acts that occurred during the occupation. These are stories of school bus drivers who, risking their lives, evacuated people from dangerous zones under fire. Stories of rescuers who cleared rubble and pulled people from the ruins. Stories of medical staff who worked tirelessly to save the wounded. Stories of those who maintained their humanity during the occupation and supported others. It is from such stories that the true Kyiv region is composed—strong, united, and unyielding.

“Today we bow our heads in memory of all those who perished. In memory of the civilians. In memory of the Defenders who gave their lives for our freedom,” concluded the head of the Kyiv OVA.

According to information from Ukrinform, on April 2, 2022, the Ukrainian Defense Forces completely expelled Russian troops from the territory of Kyiv region, marking an important milestone in the struggle for Ukraine's independence.

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