U.S. historian and author Timothy Snyder led a charity run in Kyiv to raise awareness of the conditions faced by Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia. The run came after an escalation in Russian attacks on Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure. Snyder, known for his work on authoritarian regimes and his support for Ukraine, addressed nearly a thousand runners before joining them in the race. He emphasized the plight of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers held in captivity during an illegal war and expressed solidarity with the country.
The run, consisting of 5 and 10-kilometer races, took place in a park in Kyiv and included participants from the public, military, veterans, and wives of POWs. One wife, Anastasia Ofyl, whose husband was captured by the Russians, stated the importance of fighting for him, which is why she participated in the event. Ukrainian soldiers have reported harrowing conditions in Russian captivity, including torture and ill-treatment, as documented by a UN human rights agency report. Snyder, who has organized fundraisers for war relief efforts, is highly regarded in Ukraine and recently met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Following the race, Snyder was surrounded by admirers seeking autographs and selfies, with many asking for signatures on copies of his books on Ukraine. The charity run was organized by the Kyiv School of Economics’ foundation, which has been raising funds for charitable assistance for Ukrainians since the start of the Russian invasion. In addition to Snyder’s involvement, other notable figures, including Boris Johnson, Mike Pompeo, and Michael Douglas, have also met with President Zelenskyy this week. The event highlighted the ongoing support for Ukraine and the efforts to raise awareness about the situation faced by Ukrainian prisoners of war.
The race served as a platform to bring attention to the plight of Ukrainian prisoners of war and the challenges faced by the country in the midst of the conflict with Russia. The participation of a diverse group of individuals, including civilians, service members, and veterans, underscored the collective effort to support Ukraine and show solidarity with those affected by the war. Snyder’s involvement in organizing the charity run and his ongoing support for Ukraine have solidified his near-celebrity status in the country, with many expressing gratitude for his contributions to the war relief efforts. The event also highlighted the resilience and determination of Ukrainians to stand united in the face of adversity.
