Kyiv commemorates third anniversary of Ilovaisk tragedy

The events are attended by representatives of the Donbas, Kryvbas and Kherson battalions, as well as Armed Forces and National Guard servicemen.

The event began with the national anthem of Ukraine and a minute of silence for deceased soldiers. The Plyve Kacha song was traditionally performed on Mykhailivska Square. 

The guard of honor of the National Guard laid flowers to the memory wall for servicemen and law enforcers who died for Ukraine's unity. The memory wall is located on the wall enclosing St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery.

According to the organizers of the event, most units of battalions that participated in the Battle of Ilovaisk today mark this tragic date in their hometowns. In general, 26 units were trapped in the Ilovaisk "cauldron" - virtually all volunteer battalions.

The cathedral's clergy conducted a memorial service for the dead.

It should be noted that none of the military leadership and government officials attended the event.

A memorial service for the dead heroes was also held at the Krasnopilske Cemetery in Dnipro. The event was attended by the main specialists of the department for anti-terrorist operation participants, their families, the families of deceased defenders, and servicemen. 

According to the Prosecutor General's Office's investigation, on August 29, 2014, at the direct instruction and order of the command of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Russian troops fired with heavy weapons at columns of Ukrainian soldiers near Ilovaisk.

A total of 366 Ukrainians were killed, 429 wounded, and 300 captured.

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