Three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, supporters gathered in Washington, D.C., urging continued aid, while tensions rose as the Trump administration engaged in ceasefire talks with Russia, excluding Ukraine. In Tokyo, an exhibition highlighted the plight of over 19,500 abducted Ukrainian children, with survivor Rostislav Lavrov calling for international intervention. Meanwhile, in Aichi, calligraphers inscribed “Aiwa” (Love and Harmony) at a mosque, emphasizing unity and the hope for peace.
A Tokyo event on February 23 highlighted the plight of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, with a 19-year-old survivor sharing his experience of forced indoctrination and escape. Hosted by Bird of Light Ukraine, the event shed light on Russia’s alleged abduction of nearly 20,000 children, with less than 10% returned. The survivor expressed hope that all abducted children would one day return safely. A Japanese attendee, a father of three, reflected on the unimaginable pain of losing a child, emphasizing the urgency of global awareness.
An event in Tokyo highlighted the plight of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia since the invasion began. Organized by a support group and American photographer Phil Buehler, the exhibition featured life-size projections of beds left behind by abducted children. A Ukrainian teenager who was taken by Russian forces and later rescued shared his experience. With over 19,500 children reportedly taken, Buehler emphasized that returning them must be part of ceasefire discussions.
Marking three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, an event in Tokyo shed light on the stories of Ukrainian children abducted by Russian forces. Hosted by the U.S.-based Bird of Light Ukraine, the exhibition featured photos from Empty Beds, a project highlighting the empty beds and belongings of taken children. Photographer Phil Buehler condemned Russia’s war crimes, while a 19-year-old survivor recounted his abduction and forced indoctrination. With over 19,500 children taken and less than 10% returned, organizers urged the world to recognize this atrocity and include their return in peace negotiations.