Flags erected near Russian Embassy in Kyiv in memory of 15,000 Ukrainians who died during Crimea's occupation, conflict in Donbas

KYIV. Aug 26 (Interfax-Ukraine) – On the Day of the State Flag of Ukraine, Kyiv activists held a memorial event near the Russian embassy, during which they erected 150 blue and yellow flags in front of the diplomatic office, symbolizing 15,000 Ukrainians who died during the Russian occupation of the Crimean Peninsula and the conflict in Donbas.

"The value of the flag is measured not by color or successful design, but by the victory of the heroes of the country who are fighting for its independence and freedom. Today we are here to remind that Ukrainians have not forgotten that the Kremlin killed almost 15,000 of our citizens. We are also here, to emphasize the importance of the blue-yellow flag for the country and to strengthen understanding of the importance of returning the Ukrainian state flag to the occupied Crimea and Donbas," said organizer of the rally Mykola Davydiuk.

He noted that each flag erected in front of the Russian embassy symbolizes 100 Ukrainians who died due to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

"Each flag erected today is a reminder of 100 killed Ukrainians. And this is not just a war with the Kremlin, it is a continuation of the war for independence. And the country should remember everyone who gave his life in this war, including by honoring the flag," Davydiuk said.