To mark two years since the liberation of Bucha, a suburb of Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, where many civilians were killed in a military invasion by the Russian army, the city held a memorial service on the 31st to commemorate the victims in a newly constructed park. Tree planting was carried out in memory of the deceased.
Buca was briefly occupied by Russian forces at the beginning of the invasion, which local authorities say claimed the lives of 509 civilians, including 12 children.
On the 31st, two years since Bucha's release, various memorial events were held in the area, including a concert in memory of the victims at St. Andrew's Church, where many of the bodies were found.
A monument with the names of each of the victims was erected on the church grounds, and visitors were laying flowers.
A woman who lost her brother, who was 34 years old, said, ``My brother went to buy water that day and disappeared for 39 days.He passed away, leaving behind two young children.I am still trying to get over his death.'' I haven't been able to do it,'' he said.
In addition, a new park has been created on Jablonska Street, where 78 bodies were found and was nicknamed the "street of death," and support from various countries and aid organizations, including Japan's JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), which has been cooperating with Buča's recovery efforts, has been built. Representatives were also invited to plant a tree in memory of the victims.
The same number of trees as the number of victims were to be planted in the park, and on this day, families and others attached silver plaques with the names of the victims to the trees and offered prayers.
A man whose son died after being tortured by the Russian military said that the Russian military was like a plague, saying, ``If the world does not help Ukraine, this plague will spread all over the world.''
A 6-year-old girl who is the man's grandson and who lost her father said, ``I want to meet my father. I wish he was still alive.''
President Zelenskiy once again appeals to the international community for unity
On the 31st, commemorating two years since the liberation of Bucha, a suburb of Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, ceremonies were held across the city to commemorate the victims.
One minute of silence was held in front of a monument in the city, attended by President Zelenskiy, President Zelenskiy, Secretary of the Presidential Palace Yermak, other government officials, and local residents, who offered a minute's silence for the victims.
In his speech, President Zelenskiy emphasized that Russia's invasion was ``a war for the survival of our country and the right to life for all people,'' adding, ``The whole world is paying the price of this battle and what we are trying to stop in this country.'' I want us to remember evil."
"The bodies of Ukrainians killed by occupation forces and lying in the streets of Bucha are proof that no one in the world can turn a blind eye to this war. Defend the lives of the Ukrainian people and the country. This is a victory for humanity,'' he said, reiterating his appeal to the international community for unity.