‘Mariupol before and after the Russian aggression’: Ukrainian prisoners of war to be discussed in Italy
On 11 September, the Italian town of Lamezia Terme will host a public event entitled ‘Mariupol before and after the Russian aggression’, dedicated to the plight of Ukrainians who have found themselves under Russian occupation and in captivity.
The discussion will be attended by the mayors of Lamezia Terme, Philadelphia and Maida, as well as representatives of Italian and Ukrainian associations and political groups at various levels.
A live link with Petro Andriushchenko, a former adviser to the mayor of Mariupol, is also planned. During the meeting, discussions will focus on the lives of Ukrainians under occupation, civilian and military hostages, as well as mechanisms for securing the release of people from Russian captivity and unlawful detention.
Particular attention will be paid to the issue of guardianship for civilian hostages – what it entails, how it works, and why international attention focused on specific individuals can be an important tool for exerting pressure on Russia.
They will also discuss the need to strengthen information security, political and economic support for Ukraine, and the preservation of social programmes for Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their homes due to the war.
🖼️ Two exhibitions — about those whose voices have been silenced
Two themed exhibitions will be presented as part of the event:
▫️ ‘Civilian Hostages’ – about Ukrainians held captive by Russia;
▫️ ‘Olenivka’ — about Ukrainian prisoners of war who were held in a penal colony in occupied Olenivka.
The organisers aim not only to shed light on the crimes of Russian aggression, but also to encourage more people to support Ukrainian civilian hostages. Among the main aims of the event are to find individuals and organisations willing to take at least one civilian hostage under their care, to draw attention to their stories, and to help spread information about the unlawful detention of Ukrainians.
There will also be a separate discussion on programmes for Ukrainian children, which help them to feel safe and cared for again, and to remain children despite the war.
