Ukraine vows to never forget and seek justice for planned Russian crime near Ilovaisk in 2014 – Zelensky

Ukraine will never forget nor allow to go unpunished the premeditated, cynical crime carried out by the Russians near Ilovaisk in August 2014.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this on Facebook.

According to him, today, Ukraine honors the memory of all its defenders:

"All those who fought for the sake of our state, for the sake of Ukrainian independence, and gave the most precious thing – their lives."

Back in August 2014, on these exact days, the Russian invaders committed what the President called one of the most atrocious acts of this war – the murder of hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers near Ilovaisk.

"It was a planned, cynical Russian crime, which Ukraine will never forget and will never leave unpunished," Zelensky assured.

^{Photo: Telegram / Volodymyr Zelensky}

He emphasized:

"We will always remember each and everyone whose life was taken by this war. And we will not forgive Russia for any destroyed Ukrainian life."

^{Photo: Telegram / Volodymyr Zelensky}

"Eternal memory to all our heroes! And thank you to everyone who does not forget, who honors and helps the relatives of our fallen soldiers," the head of state emphasized.

For reference:

August 29 is the Day of Remembrance for the Fallen Defenders of Ukraine who gave their lives in the fight for its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

On August 23, 2019, the President of Ukraine declared this day to honor the bravery of soldiers and volunteers who sacrificed their lives for the country with Decree No. 621.

The decision to commemorate the Day of Remembrance for Ukraine's Defenders on August 29 was not coincidental. In 2014, during the Russian-Ukrainian war and the Ilovaisk operation, a significant breakthrough of Ukrainian troops out of the Russian encirclement occurred on this day.

In August 2014, battles occurred between Ukraine's armed forces and regular units of the Russian army near Ilovaisk in the Donetsk region. The fighting lasted nearly a month, from August 6 to 29. With lesser strength, the Ukrainian military became trapped and encircled. Promised a "green corridor" for retreat by Russia, the Ukrainian forces were left stranded and came under attack. According to the General Prosecutor's Office, the following casualties were recorded:

• 366 Ukrainian servicemen lost their lives;
• 429 were injured;
•  84 are still missing;
• Approximately 300 soldiers were taken as prisoners.

According to reports, on the 10th anniversary of the tragic battle in Ilovaisk, the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's military, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and the Chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, paid tribute to the memory of all those who bravely gave their lives defending Ukraine.