The Flag of Hope Raised at Ukrainian Railway Stations

A symbolic black-and-white flag of hope has been raised at numerous Ukrainian Railway stations.

This banner represents our unwavering belief in the return of our defenders who are prisoners or missing, as well as honoring those who lost their lives in captivity. This initiative has been implemented with the support of Ukrainian Railways and the charitable foundation "Steel", established by Hero of Ukraine Serhiy Volynskyi.

In the early days of the full-scale invasion, the train cars of Ukrainian Railways witnessed tears and hope. They provided temporary shelter for thousands of Ukrainians. Thus, it is symbolic that this flag is raised above the railway stations.

"Today we raise the Flag of Hope to remind everyone: we will not stop until every prisoner and every missing person returns home. The black stripe represents death and loss, while the white symbolizes hope and the relentless fight for our people. Together, these colors form a canvas that symbolizes the indomitable spirit of every Ukrainian still away from home. Ukraine awaits its warriors, every one held captive by the enemy. This Flag of Hope serves as a daily reminder to our country and the world about every Ukrainian prisoner and missing person. This flag will wave until we await the return of every comrade to our homeland. I am confident that the state will do everything possible to bring each of them back," said Hero of Ukraine Serhiy Volynskyi.

"Forty of our railway colleagues are still in captivity. More than four hundred are missing. We believe that each of them, every single Ukrainian, will return home. We want to give a push to this initiative — regardless of whether it’s private business or a state institution — to raise the black-and-white flag in support of all prisoners. Today, such flags fly over a hundred of our stations. We want to see thousands of them. And then, one day, on a happy and sunny day, we will be able to lower them, because everyone will come back," said Oleksandr Pertzovsky, chairman of the Board of Ukrainian Railways.

Join us — raise the Flag of Hope, talk about those who are waiting for freedom. Let their voices resonate in every heart.

Together, we will bring them home!