February 24, 2022. This date became one of the most painful pages in the modern history of Ukraine and forever changed the lives of millions of people. Students and teachers of the Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology gathered in the conference hall to remember the events of that day, hear eyewitness accounts, reflect on their experiences, and once again reflect on the price of freedom, responsibility for the future, and the importance of unity in times of trial.

The guest of honor at the meeting was Olexandr Zheleznyakov, a hero-Chernobyl resident who survived the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident and later underwent front-line trials. In the fall of 2014, he voluntarily joined the separate motorized infantry battalion “Dnipro-2” and stood up for the defense of Ukraine. With the outbreak of full-scale war in February 2022, Oleksandr returned to the front again. During the meeting, he shared his memories of the first days of the invasion, the drastic changes in the lives of military and civilians, as well as the daily struggle full of trials, determination, and courage.

The story of Nataliya Ivanovna Zhilenko, the mother of the deceased 2018 graduate of the Faculty of Economics, Stanislav Zhilenko, was especially moving. She shared personal memories of her son, his journey at the front, and the strength of spirit with which, even after being wounded, he returned to defend Ukraine. Her words about waiting for news from the front, anxiety, and hope became a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. During the event, Natalia Ivanovna also transferred Stanislav’s personal belongings to the Museum of History of USUCT.

Another important element of the meeting was the video sent by the Dobrovolsky family, dedicated to the memory of the university graduate Andriy Dobrovolsky (call sign “Leleka”). This video material became a deeply emotional testimony of the pain of loss, while at the same time filled with love, gratitude, and respect for the courage of the defender of Ukraine.

Summing up the event, the Director of the Institute of Scientific Research of the USUCT, Professor Olga Sergiyevna Sverdlykovska, addressed the audience. She emphasized that despite all the challenges of the war, the university continues to live, develop, educate students and carry out scientific activities, preserving the spirit of unity and responsibility to the state.

The event ended with the laying of flowers at the monument “Winged Ones Do Not Need Soil” – as a symbol of deep respect and grateful memory of those who gave their lives for the freedom of Ukraine.

The meeting was sincere and caring, leaving a deep emotional mark in the hearts of all present. It became another reminder of the importance of national memory, mutual support, and faith in the future even in the most difficult times.