Makeshift Memorial In Kyiv Honors Fallen Ukrainian Soldiers

People walk past the memorial to fallen soldiers in Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The green lawn in the heart of Ukraine’s capital has been transformed into a makeshift memorial after 1,000 days of war. What was once a popular spot for tourists and locals is now dotted with blue-and-yellow flags, each honoring a soldier who lost their life fighting Russia. Many of these soldiers were volunteers who bravely left their civilian lives behind to defend their country.

Loved ones of the fallen soldiers visit the memorial, planting small flags marked with names and dates of their deceased family members. Over time, the number of flags has grown, fluttering in the wind as a poignant reminder of the ongoing conflict.

Photos from the early days of the war show the first flags appearing on the lawn shortly after Russian forces withdrew from the Kyiv region. As the war persisted, the grass faded away, replaced by paths winding through thousands of flags. Portraits of the fallen soldiers have also been added, showing their confident faces in military uniforms.

Blue-and-yellow flags honor soldiers who sacrificed their lives.

The lawn in Kyiv transformed into a memorial after 1,000 days of war.

Many fallen soldiers were volunteers defending their country.

Families plant flags with names and dates to remember their loved ones.

The memorial grew over time with more flags and portraits of soldiers.

Visitors reflect and mourn at the site in Independence Square.

The memorial was created by the people, not city authorities.

Funeral ceremonies and moments of silence are common at the site.

The memorial serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for Ukraine's freedom.

It stands as a testament to the ongoing impact of the war on Ukrainian society.

Visitors to the memorial, including grieving family members and soldiers, spend time reflecting and mourning. The site has become a focal point for remembrance and a symbol of Ukrainian history, located in Independence Square, a historic site of past revolutions.

The memorial was not established by city authorities but by the people themselves, driven by a deep desire to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Funeral ceremonies and moments of silence are common occurrences at the site, with new flags being added regularly.

Despite the solemn atmosphere, life in the capital continues at its usual pace after moments of reflection at the memorial. The growing number of flags serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made for Ukraine’s freedom, with each flag representing a personal tragedy and a life lost in the conflict.

The memorial stands as a testament to the ongoing impact of the war on Ukrainian society, a place where the fallen soldiers are remembered and honored by those who visit to pay their respects.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at AP News.