Registration for the advocacy run for the release of military and civilian Ukrainians from Russian captivity is open. The event will take place on September 14 in Kyiv at the initiative of students of the Kyiv School of Economics and Professor Timothy Snyder. The race’s organizers are the KSE Foundation, DefDev, and “Heart of Azovstal” — the project to support Mariupol defenders.
According to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, 28,000 Ukrainian citizens are currently in Russian captivity. The race’s purpose is to call for the release of each of them — military, civilians, men, women, and children.
“We must draw maximum attention to this critical issue and emphasize the need for urgent action daily. We decided to run to support everyone who does not lose hope of returning home, to support their families and loved ones — and to remind them that none of them are alone. We remember all those detained by Russia. And we have to do everything possible so that they return to their families,” the community of KSE students notes.
Timothy Snyder, a Yale University professor, UNITED24 ambassador, and great friend of Ukraine, supported the initiative. He will personally participate in the race in Kyiv. As part of UNITED24’s “Safe Terrain” project, Timothy is raising funds for land mine clearance work.
Military and veterans, Ukrainians who survived captivity, and families of prisoners who are waiting for the return of their loved ones will join the race. And also everyone who cheers for the release of military and civilian Ukrainians from captivity.
To join the race:
- Choose the distance you will run: 5 or 10 kilometers
- Register on the website timer.newrun.com.ua/event/138
- Get your starter pack on September 13th or 14th
- On September 14, come to VDNG (Urban Park). The race will start at 9:02
- Run for freedom!
The social initiative unites people for active actions that will help achieve the goal of freeing prisoners.
We run for freedom. And you?