Residents of Rostov-on-Don commemorate those killed by neo-Nazis in Odessa on May 2

02.05.2026, Rostov-on-Don.

Activists of the Essence of Time movement in Rostov-on-Don  held a memorial event marking the twelve years passed since the tragedy at the Trade Unions House in Odessa, a Rossa Primavera News Agency‘s correspondent wrote on May 2.

On the main pedestrian street of Rostov-on-Don, residents saw stands displaying the names and photographs of those who were killed on May 2, 2014. Anyone who wished could approach and light a candle in memory of the victims of Ukrainian neo-Nazis. Passersby thanked the activists for preserving the memory of people who died in 2014 in the struggle against Banderites. Some young people stopped and asked in detail about the events of 2014 in Ukraine. Those who had attended similar memorial events in previous years also came to the stands.

One elderly resident of Rostov-on-Don told the activists, “For us, it is very important now to preserve memory. Thank you from the older generation!”

The events of May 2, 2014, took place after the coup in Kiev in February 2014. Activists of the “anti-Maidan” resistance movement in Odessa set up a tent camp on Kulikovo Field. Soon, clashes began on Greek Square between “anti-Maidan” activists holding a peaceful rally and nationalist “ultras” groups associated with football fans.

Later, neo-Nazis arriving from other cities, along with local Odessa groups, and amid the complete passivity of the police, drove the “anti-Maidan” activists into the Trade Unions House, blocked the exits, and set the building on fire. Those trying to escape were attacked, including with firearms. As a result of the tragedy, 48 people were killed and more than 250 were injured. This crime has not been investigated to this day. In March 2025, the European Court of Human Rights found Ukraine guilty of failing to prevent violence during the protests in Odessa in 2014.

Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency