00:00 The St. Michael's Church in Kiev.
00:05 A demonstration for soldiers captured by the Russians.
00:09 "I want a bedtime story from my dad," it says.
00:13 Natalia is one of the organizers.
00:16 Many of our soldiers are being killed.
00:20 They are kept in captivity and tortured for protecting and defending our country.
00:26 This is an appeal to our society to look around and open their eyes to what is happening.
00:40 Reminders of the war are never far away.
00:45 Many here felt their spirits lifted by a recent prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia,
00:51 the biggest since the war began.
00:53 It was a rare show of accord between Moscow and Kiev.
00:59 Tatiana's son wasn't among them.
01:01 He was captured by the Russians in Mariupol in the summer of 2022.
01:07 She last heard from Artem just before he was taken.
01:11 She says prisoner swabs are crucial.
01:15 The only possibility to get some information is when there is a prisoner exchange.
01:20 In April, a civilian who was released said he was in the same cell with him.
01:24 He saw him.
01:25 He lost weight.
01:26 But he hasn't lost faith.
01:27 He knows his mother loves him and that she will not stay silent.
01:33 There are many women like Tatiana here, determined to take a stand.
01:38 In recent months, we've seen a growing number of demonstrations across Ukraine, like this
01:43 one today in downtown Kiev.
01:45 Now, the people gathered here are understandably angry.
01:48 They're desperate for answers.
01:50 They're pressing the government for more information about their loved ones, missing in action,
01:55 in some cases, for over a year and a half.
01:59 Many want the authorities to step up behind-the-scenes negotiations with Russia.
02:06 We need to communicate more with our enemy, strange as that sounds, in order to get our
02:11 soldiers released.
02:18 This is my boyfriend.
02:19 He's been in captivity for more than a year.
02:21 More negotiations are needed so that we have more exchanges.
02:25 Tatiana has a message for the other side.
02:29 I have a strong desire to address mothers on the other side.
02:33 Is it so hard to stand up for your children?
02:35 I want my son returned.
02:37 We are not asking for more.
02:38 Take yours and give us ours.
02:43 (gurgling)
