Finnish Government to show solidarity with Ukraine in many ways on 24 February 2025

Ukraine and its people have been fighting against Russia’s illegal war of aggression for three years. The Finnish Government will show its solidarity with Ukraine by flying the Finnish and Ukrainian flags on the anniversary of the start of Russia’s invasion on 24 February. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ main building, Merikasarmi, will be illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. The President of the Republic, the Prime Minister and several other ministers will relay their own messages in a video produced by Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The video will be shared on the social media accounts of the Office of the President of the Republic and the ministries. 

“Ukraine deserves our unwavering support – and a just, lasting peace based on the core principles of international law and the UN Charter,” said Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in his video message. 

The key message of the video is that Finland stands by Ukraine. Today, tomorrow and in the future. For as long as is necessary.

Event to support Ukraine at Senate Square

The Finnish Government will fly the Finnish and Ukrainian flags at the Government Palace and Senate Square on 24 February. Flags will also be flown by the University of Helsinki at Senate Square.

Flags will be raised at Senate Square at 8.00 and lowered at 20.00, which is also when the Light for Ukraine event to be held at the square will end. People are welcome to join the event to commemorate the victims of the war and to show their solidarity with Ukraine. You can light a candle on the steps of Helsinki Cathedral from 15.00 to 20.00.

You can also take part on social media by publishing a picture or emoji of a candle. The hashtags for the event are WeMustNOTForget and #WeStandWithUkraine.

The Light for Ukraine event is being organised by the Lutheran Church in Helsinki, Mothersforpeace, and the Ukrainian Association in Finland in collaboration with the City of Helsinki, the University of Helsinki, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Embassy of Ukraine.

Inquiries: Tiina-Kaisa Laakso-Liukkonen, Chief Specialist, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 295 160 220, [email protected]

Photo added on 24 February 2025 at 9:09.