Residents of Odessa gathered for a rally in the city center — photo report.

In Odessa, demonstrations continue in support of prisoners of war. Relatives and concerned citizens take to the squares and streets to remind everyone of the heroes awaiting their return home after many months in captivity. Among the participants are mothers, wives, children, and comrades of the captives, all of whom hold onto hope for the release of their loved ones.

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This was reported by the correspondent of Novini.LIVE.

"We do not forget our heroes..."

Ekaterina, one of the organizers of the event, emphasized the importance of remembering how much time has passed and how many days have been lost for those in captivity. She highlighted that this is not just time, but a time of pain and waiting, which does not lessen but grows heavier with each passing day.

"Almost three years — that means thousands of days of torture, hunger, and cold. Think about how much joy you have experienced during this time, how many times you hugged your loved ones, celebrated holidays? While they are just surviving. This is not life, this is existence.", said the young woman.

During her speech, she also read an excerpt from a book by one of the defenders of Azovstal, who returned from captivity.

"Once I was one of the voices of Azovstal. Now hear through me those who are still in captivity. Listen and pass it on. The defenders of Mariupol were promised freedom. They are still waiting.", Ekaterina quoted the words of the defender.

"Heroes are not forgotten, they are waiting at home"

Speaking at the event, another organizer, Anna, stressed the importance of being the voices of the captives, as this is the only way we can help them gain freedom. She urged citizens not to ignore the situation but to reflect on how much freedom they enjoy thanks to the sacrifices of those who gave their lives and freedom to defend Ukraine.

"Our task is to become the voices of those who are in captivity and to fight for their freedom. Everyone who is now walking around the city should remember that they can do this thanks to our heroes, who sacrificed their freedom for their peaceful lives.", Anna stated.

Anna also appealed to the people of Odessa to spread awareness about the heroes who are in captivity or missing.

"Russia, the aggressor country, continues to torment our soldiers, and we must be their voice until they return home. Many of them receive illegal sentences, and we must support them.", the young woman added.

"We are waiting for you..."

Among those waiting is Ekaterina. She talks about her husband, who, after being mobilized, went to defend the Motherland, and now her family has been waiting for his return for more than three months. She says that the lack of information about his fate is what "kills" her the most, but love and faith in his return give her the strength to hold on.

"My husband went to the front as a volunteer, and on October 23, he went missing near Selidovo. We are eagerly waiting for him, believing that he will return. It is very difficult, but we must support each other.", the woman says.

Let us remind you that recently in Odessa, relatives of prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action gathered outside the office of the International Red Cross. People demanded real actions from the international organization, not just its presence in the country. Additionally, today in Kharkiv, residents gathered for a rally in support of hundreds of Ukrainian servicemen currently held captive by Russia.