On February 26, the premiere of the film “Forgive Me, Mom,” dedicated to the fallen Hero of Ukraine Hennadii Afanasiev, took place at the “Zhovten” cinema in Kyiv. The screening brought together military personnel, representatives of civic organizations, activists, civil servants, and friends and acquaintances of Hennadii’s family.

The event began with a minute of silence in memory of all those killed in the war, accompanied by a recording of Hennadii Afanasiev reciting a poem by Vasyl Symonenko, which he had recorded during his lifetime. Afterwards, during the introductory segment, speakers shared their fondest memories of Hennadii. The event began with a minute of silence in memory of all those killed in the war, accompanied by a recording of Hennadii Afanasiev reciting a poem by Vasyl Symonenko, which he had recorded during his lifetime. Afterwards, during the introductory segment, speakers shared their fondest memories of Hennadii.

Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko noted the importance of screening the film specifically on the Day of Resistance to the Temporary Occupation of the AR of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

“Resistance is about courage and dignity. And Hennadii embodies these values. He inspires us with his example, so it is important for us to support his family and continue the work that will tell his story and support people.”

Heorhii Tykhyi, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, also joined the screening. He reminded the audience that Hennadii served as a special representative for the release of political prisoners and stressed that Ukraine does not consider altering its sovereignty and will continue to fight for the release of all Ukrainian citizens from captivity.

“The issue of Crimea will never be removed from the agenda. It is our moral right as a state to stand up for Ukrainian Crimea, and we cannot betray this fight.”

In turn, Military Ombudswoman Olha Kobylinska stated that it is painful to acknowledge Hennadii Afanasiev’s absence. At the same time, she noted the importance of his family—his daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother—who remain to preserve his memory and the strength of his example.

Member of Parliament Tamila Tasheva recalled Hennadii’s activist work after his release from captivity and emphasized that awarding him the title of Hero of Ukraine was an important and just decision for the entire country.

Human rights defender Olha Skrypnyk stressed that for her, Hennadii is one of the key figures of the Ukrainian and Crimean resistance. She once again reminded the audience that as of February 2026, more than 280 people, including 159 Crimean Tatars, are subject to judicial persecution on the peninsula.

The introductory part continued with words from Hennadii Afanasiev’s wife and mother. His mother, Olha Afanasieva, thanked everyone who fought for his release and supported the family during the most difficult times. She stated that it is a great honor for her to be his mother and to preserve his memory.

His wife, Liudmyla, recalled that Hennadii was a person filled with love for the world. According to her, this love literally radiated from him—and if people have gathered together today, it means it has touched everyone present.

The film screening provided an opportunity to once again reflect on the price of resistance and the responsibility to continue it. The memory of Hennadii is not just about the past, but about the decisions and actions of today that bring the liberation of Crimea and Ukraine’s victory closer.

The event was moderated by Alim Aliev, Deputy Director General of the Ukrainian Institute, human rights defender, and journalist.

Event organizers: The Mission of the President of Ukraine in the AR of Crimea / Office of the Crimea Platform, Crimean Human Rights Group, Human Rights Center ZMINA, CrimeaSOS.