During a solemn memorial event at Kuldīga Technical School in Latvia, Oleksandr Chokov, a chaplain of the Ukrainian Navy, recounted his traumatic experiences as a prisoner of war at the hands of the Russian army. As he spoke to a full hall of students, Chokov's stories painted a vivid picture of the horrors of war, including torture and the impact on the innocent, reminding everyone of the need for compassion and support for those affected. His pleas for prayers against the suffering of others resonated deeply in the quiet space, emphasizing that the brutality of conflict often strips people of their faith and hope, yet it is crucial to hold onto those beliefs.

Chokov also highlighted the individual nature of suffering during war, as he reflected upon the tragic losses of children, women, and the elderly. His role extended beyond that of a chaplain; he serves as a psychological support for those in grief, providing solace and understanding tailored to each individual's pain. The event included an exhibition of drawings by soldiers who have undergone rehabilitation in Ukraine, expressing their struggles and emotional journeys through art, offering a rare glimpse into a world where words fall short in conveying the depths of trauma endured by ordinary individuals caught in extraordinary circumstances.

This gathering not only served as a moment of remembrance but also as a poignant reminder of the ongoing impacts of the war in Ukraine and the need for continued support and empathy towards those affected by such violence. The presence of Chokov and the artistic expressions of wounded soldiers illuminated the human side of the conflict, fostering a conversation about hope amidst despair and the resilience of the human spirit.