The Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repression

Every year on the third Sunday of May, Ukraine commemorates the victims of political repressions — millions of people whose destinies were ruined by the totalitarian Soviet regime. This memorial day was established by the Decree of the President of Ukraine dated May 21, 2007 as a symbol of national grief, historical truth and respect for all those who suffered due to political persecution.

In the 1920s and 1950s, Ukraine experienced one of the most tragic pages in its history. During mass repressions and the Great Terror, they destroyed scientists, artists, teachers, clergy, soldiers, peasants – everyone whom the totalitarian system considered «unrewarding». Thousands of people were unjustly arrested, sent to camps, deported or shot just for their own beliefs, desire for freedom and the right to remain Ukrainian.

Today this topic sounds particularly painful. In the conditions of a full-scale war, Ukraine again faces brutality, violence, deportations and persecution of the civilian population. Russian aggression brought back into modernity the methods of terror that the world hoped to leave forever in the past.

For Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic University, the Day of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repression is an opportunity to honor the memory of the innocent victims, remember the tragic lessons of history, and emphasize the importance of freedom, human dignity, democracy and the rule of law.

We bow our heads to the courage and indomitability of those who fell victim to the repressive system. We remember everyone whose life was broken by the totalitarian regime. Only by preserving historical memory, we are able to build a future based on freedom, justice and independence of Ukraine.