This past Wednesday in Kyiv, families of missing servicepersons and prisoners of war gathered at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ to honor their loved ones.
The event was a part of an initiative called “Rushnyki Nadii” or “Cloths of Hope” in which families from Ukraine and other countries crafted traditional embroidered cloths symbolizing their hopes for the return of their loved ones. The women stitched together and supported one another.
Speaking at the event, our deputy head of mission, Noel Calhoun, commended the unity of the families and the strength of women who tirelessly seek truth and justice for their loved ones.
She reaffirmed our commitment to standing with them and to report publicly on the human rights violations against prisoners of war. Addressing the families, Ms Calhoun praised the symbolic power of the embroidery: “These Rushniki have unique Ukrainian designs, but a beauty that the whole world can understand.”
Photo: Yevhen Zinchenko
