Zelenskyy Honors Bucha Victims

On March 31, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska marked the fourth anniversary of Bucha’s liberation by honoring the memory of those who lost their lives during the Russian occupation in 2022. The solemn event took place at the memorial on the grounds of the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called and All Saints of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, where the couple laid candles.

The tragic history recalls when Russian forces occupied Bucha, a town near Kyiv, for 33 days, from February 27 to March 31, 2022. This brutal occupation resulted in the deaths of 561 civilians, including 12 children. The President and First Lady’s gesture of remembrance brought together not only local residents but also international leaders and representatives from across Europe and NATO, demonstrating a unified stand against acts of aggression and violation of human rights.

The event also provided a platform for community healing, as residents of Bucha participated in the memorial service, placing candles and sharing their grief. President Zelenskyy and the First Lady engaged with the attendees, extending personal condolences and reinforcing the global message of solidarity with the victims and the resilient spirit of the Ukrainian people.