On August 29, on the anniversary of the Battle of Ilovaisk, Ukraine honors all our fallen soldiers. On this day, nine years ago, the greatest tragedy of the Anti-Terrorist Operation / Joint Forces Operation occurred. The russians, having encircled our military, shot the humanitarian corridor.
366 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, more than 400 were wounded, 300 defenders were captured in the Battle of Ilovaisk; 18 servicemen are still listed as missing in action.
Today we honor all those who have given their lives in the russo-Ukrainian war since 2014 until today. We remember the polytechnicians who died in battle with the enemy, defending our land.
“There are no right words or right moments when it comes to loss. Because these are the broken destinies of specific people who were the whole universe for their relatives.
Unfortunately, heroes die. They gain eternal life and eternal glory, remain our spiritual guide and an example for future generations of Ukrainians. But they are no more for those who need them alive. I bow my head and share with my relatives and friends the pain of irreparable loss. Thank you for the greatest sacrifice, consciously given to your country. This is how history is made and a nation is formed that will be admired by the world," — Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi.