In a display of solidarity with Ukrainian prisoners of war, Timothy Snyder, a renowned U.S. historian and Yale University professor, spearheaded a charity run in Kyiv on September 14, 2024. The event, which attracted nearly a thousand participants, aimed to shed light on the conditions faced by Ukrainian POWs held in Russia as the conflict enters its third winter.
The run, organized by the Kyiv School of Economics' charity foundation, took place in a renovated Soviet-era exhibition center, now transformed into a sprawling park. Participants included civilians, veterans, and family members of POWs, all united in their cause.
Snyder, a specialist in Central and Eastern European history and the Holocaust, addressed the crowd before joining the 5 and 10-kilometer runs. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the illegal detention of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers during what he termed an "illegal war."
"Thousands of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers are illegally held in captivity during an illegal war. This race is about reminding everyone of that and expressing solidarity with Ukrainians and giving Ukrainians a chance to do something together."
The event occurred against the backdrop of recent Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine's electricity infrastructure. These assaults underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the country, which has been embroiled in the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II for over two and a half years.
The plight of Ukrainian POWs has been a subject of international concern. In July 2024, a United Nations human rights agency report documented widespread use of torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence, against Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia. This report highlights the violations of the Geneva Conventions, which have governed the treatment of POWs since 1949.
Snyder's involvement in Ukraine extends beyond this charity event. He has been instrumental in organizing fundraisers for war relief efforts and has gained near-celebrity status in the country. His books, including "Bloodlands: Europe between Hitler and Stalin" and "The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America," have been widely translated and read in Ukraine.
The historian's recent visit to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who took office in 2019, underscores his significance in Ukraine's current discourse. Zelenskyy also received other prominent figures that week, including former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Academy Award-winning actor Michael Douglas.
As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of conflict and work towards the release of its POWs, events like this charity run serve as powerful reminders of the human cost of war and the importance of international solidarity. The involvement of figures like Snyder helps to keep global attention focused on Ukraine's ongoing struggle for sovereignty and the welfare of its citizens, both at home and in captivity.