During the pre-Christmas handover of the Bethlehem Light on December 15, dedicated Letters to a Free Crimea station was set up. The Bethlehem Light of Peace, a longstanding scout tradition, symbolizes hope — something deeply needed by every Ukrainian heart today.

In addition to the “Letters” station, the event at the Central Railway Station featured activities such as bracelet weaving, making energy bars, writing letters to Ukrainian defenders, crafting trench candles, and collecting food and bottle caps for charitable causes.

According to the Mission, Russia is currently unlawfully detaining 218 political prisoners from Crimea, including 132 Crimean Tatars. Many of these detainees suffer from severe illnesses and are deprived of adequate medical care. Furthermore, some are subjected to torture.

Detailed information and guidance on writing and sending letters can be found on the official pages of the organizers. The initiative is supported by the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, PEN Ukraine, the ZMINA Human Rights Center, and the Ministry of National Unity of Ukraine.