Lviv Rally Demands Action for Prisoners of War: 'Silence is Deadly'.

Lviv Holds Rally in Support of Prisoners of War

According to Novyny.live: On February 21, citizens in Lviv gathered to show solidarity with Ukrainian prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action. The event, held near the Taras Shevchenko monument, was organized by concerned citizens, veterans, and family members of military personnel. Participants rallied under the slogan 'Don't Be Silent. Captivity Kills' to demand action for those held captive.

During the demonstration, the crowd chanted slogans emphasizing their cause:

• Don't be silent — captivity kills
• They are all my people
• Captured does not mean forgotten

These chants underscored the critical need to remember those in captivity and to actively work for their protection and repatriation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that seven thousand Ukrainians are currently held in enemy captivity, highlighting the immense scale of the issue facing prisoners' families. In a recent development, the first prisoner exchange of 2026 took place on February 5, successfully returning 157 military personnel and civilians. Such rallies are part of a broader, sustained effort within Ukrainian society to keep pressure on authorities to secure the release of all captives.

The Significance of the Protest

The Lviv rally served as a powerful public reminder of those suffering in captivity and a call to society not to forget their plight. Organizers hope their efforts will maintain focus on this urgent humanitarian issue and accelerate the process of bringing Ukrainian defenders home.

With the ongoing conflict, the fate of prisoners of war remains a pressing and painful topic for the nation, given the duration of hostilities and numerous cases of missing soldiers. Support rallies not only demonstrate vital public solidarity but can also pressure state bodies to pursue more active exchange negotiations. Amid continued fighting, such events highlight the human cost of war and the enduring need to support families awaiting the return of their loved ones.