Zaporizhzhia has become the first city in Ukraine to officially raise the “Flag of Hope”. 

This was announced during a press briefing by Mariupol defender and petition author Serhiy Volynskyi, highlighting an important step in supporting Ukrainian soldiers.

A Symbol of Hope: The “Flag of Hope” Raised for the First Time in Zaporizhzhia

This symbol serves as a reminder of those in captivity and the missing defenders of Ukraine.

“I came to thank Zaporizhzhia for supporting the initiative to raise the Flag of Hope, which will remind the world and every Ukrainian about the prisoners and the missing”, − emphasized Volynskyi.

Serhiy Volynskyi also noted that the idea for this symbol emerged in August 2024, when he submitted a petition for its establishment.

“In less than four days, it gathered the required votes and was supported by the people and the President of Ukraine. Despite the martial law, the issue of Ukrainian captives remains urgent, and this flag serves as a daily reminder to society and the world”, − added the serviceman.

The colors of the “Flag of Hope” are deeply symbolic: black represents suffering and death in captivity, while white symbolizes the unquenchable hope for liberation.

The First Veteran Space “Veteran PRO” Opens in Zaporizhzhia

Additionally, Zaporizhzhia saw the opening of the “Veteran PRO” space, where veterans and their families can receive essential assistance.

Ukrinform reported on this event.

Minister of Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova attended the opening, emphasizing the importance of supporting veterans as they return from war.

Zaporizhzhia region is home to around 60,000 servicemen, making veteran support a priority for local authorities.

“We will soon present a comprehensive veteran policy strategy aimed at providing financial support for veterans to develop their businesses”, − stated Ivan Fedorov.

The first “Veteran PRO” space is located in a renovated building on Soborny Avenue. The total cost of the renovation was 4 million hryvnias, funded partly by local budgets.

Fedorov also shared plans for expanding the veteran space, highlighting the importance of social integration for veterans.

“This is our pilot project; we intend to build a larger hub where veterans can access all services”, − he added.

The director of “Veteran PRO”, Mykhailo Pyrog, mentioned that the newly established space will operate on a “one-stop-shop” principle for veterans and their families.