In Lviv, relatives of the defenders of "Azovstal" held a performance titled "Third Christmas in Captivity."

On Sunday, December 22, the relatives of the defenders of Mariupol held a performance event titled "The Third Christmas in Captivity" in front of the Taras Shevchenko monument in Lviv to remind everyone about the prisoners of war and those missing. Hundreds of Lviv residents participated in the event, holding banners that read "Don't be silent. Captivity kills," "Be the voice of the captives," and "Ukraine is waiting for its heroes to come home."

The organizers set up a symbolic Christmas table, divided into two parts: one representing the preparations for Christmas, and the other symbolizing Russian captivity.

“This second reality reminds us of the prison where thousands of our defenders are held, who fought for each of us. The defenders of Mariupol stood firm until the end and bought time for all of Ukraine so that we could be with our families. We could be here in the square and speak for those who are in Russian dungeons. The symbols on the table represent our traditional attributes. Wheat symbolizes life, its birth and continuation. Fire represents what burns in the heart of each of us and sustains this life. The fire that unites us and those who are in captivity,” said Irina Novosyadlo, coordinator of the community of Mariupol defenders' families in Lviv, during the event.

She urged Lviv residents not to remain silent about the captives and to continue participating in events organized by the families of the defenders of "Azovstal."

The performance event “The Third Christmas in Captivity.” Photo ZAXID.NET

It should be noted that more than two and a half years have passed since the Mariupol garrison left "Azovstal." The defense of Mariupol lasted 86 days and helped the Defense Forces hold back the occupiers in other directions. In September 2024, Olena Tolkachova, head of the patronage service of the "Azov" brigade, reported that the occupiers are holding approximately 700 Azov fighters.

Recall that the last prisoner exchange took place on the night of October 18. Ukraine returned 95 defenders, of whom 34 are Azov fighters.