At the end of August, sunflowers bloom across Ukraine’s fields. It was twelve years ago, when in August 2014 these fields became the setting of the events of the Ilovaisk tragedy. As Ukrainian soldiers were leaving the encirclement through the “green” corridor, they were attacked by Russian forces.

Since then, the sunflower has become a symbol of remembrance for Ukraine’s fallen defenders. Every year on August 29, we honour all those who gave their lives defending Ukraine throughout more than 12 years of Russia’s brutal aggression.

We remember their faces, their names, their stories. We bow our heads in honour of every man and woman who gave their life for Ukraine.

Eternal memory to the fallen!