Rally in Kyiv in support of Ukrainian defenders of the Azovstal steel works still imprisoned by Russ

(22 Sep 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kyiv - 22 September 2024
1. Wide of protesters on side of road with large sign reading (Ukrainian): "Freedom to Azov"
2. Various of protesters holding signs during rally
3. Close of protesters with signs reading (English): "Captivity is hell! Free Azov" and "Russian captivity kills"
4. Close of woman with sign reading (Ukrainian): "Support. Horn!"
5. Motorcade with protesters holding signs from windows, UPSOUND car horns
6. Text on car reading (Ukrainian): "Bring back Azov"
7. Close of woman with sign reading (Ukrainian): "Captivity kills. Bring back my son from the hell"
8. SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian) Olena (last name unknown), mother of captive fighter of Azov battalion:
"My son has been a prisoner since May 18, 2022. He is a fighter from the Azov regiment. The Azov fighters were the first to defend our country, the first to engage in battle, the first to hold back the orcs. They faced artillery strikes, were bombed, and were at Azovstal, but they stood firm, defending their families and their country."
9. Various of young child with sign reading (English): "Free Azov"
10. Close of dog in hands of rally participant
11. Various of woman holding sign up from car reading (English): "Ukrainian Heroes are held captive by terrorists"
12. Olena with sign reading (Ukrainian): "My only wish is your return, Dad. Captivity kills. Don't be silent."
13. SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian) Olena, daughter of captive fighter of Azov battalion:
"Today is an important day; it’s my birthday. I’m turning 20, and this is my second birthday without my dad, who has been a prisoner for 14 months. Every event really matters to me. I feel the support of those around me, and I know I’m not alone-there are people who are waiting just like I am. This gives me some inspiration."
14. Women with signs reading (Ukrainian): "My husband still in captivity. Free Azov" (left) and "28 months I dream of hearing - I'm home" (right)
15. Close of woman with sign
16. Close of sign reading (English): "Captivity kills"
17. Young girl with toy reading (English): "Free Azov"
18. Close of woman with "Free Azov" on glasses
19. Flag with emblem of Azov regiment and text "Mariupol 2022"
20. Various of Anatolii Mikheev holding sign reading (Ukrainian): "Thank you for waiting. Back from captivity 13 Sep 2024"
21. SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian) Anatolii Mikheev, 27, call sign "Arn", Azov Brigade fighter, just back from captivity:
"I am a serviceman from the Azov regiment who was released from captivity on September 13, 2024. I returned to my native Ukraine and am currently at a rally in support of all the servicemen who defended Azovstal. I want to thank the people who are here; your presence means a lot. I didn’t think there would be such great support in Ukraine from the people right now. Thank you for that; you are not doing this in vain."
22. Various of people are hugging and thanking Arn
23. SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian) Dmytro Kozatskyi, call sign "Orest", Ukrainian fighter, former Azov fighter, former prisoner of war:
"From my own experience, I know that in Russian captivity, they often say things like, 'Everyone has forgotten about you...' 'No one remembers you anymore...' Every week, thousands of people gather in various cities across Ukraine and around the world so that when Ukrainian prisoners of war are brought home, they can see that people have been advocating for them and remembering them every week, doing everything possible to fight for them."
24. Wide of Mikheev and Dmytro Kozatskyi and others posing with flag reading (English): "Free Azov Defenders"
STORYLINE:
Find out more about AP Archive: www.aparchive.c...
Twitter: / ap_archive
Facebook: / aparchives ​​
Instagram: / apnews
You can license this story through AP Archive: www.aparchive.c...