Ministry for Foreign Affairs shows Finland’s solidarity with Ukraine and honours victims of Russia’s aggression

Friday 24 February marks the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will mark the day in many ways. Finland wants to show its solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and to commemorate the victims of Russia’s aggression.

Finland’s national declaration, signed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto, will be issued on the day marking the start of Russia’s aggression. In the declaration, Finland condemns Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and demands Russia to cease military action immediately and withdraw its armed forces from Ukraine. The declaration reaffirms Finland’s unwavering support to Ukraine and Ukrainians. 

On the evening of the anniversary, Foreign Minister Haavisto will light a candle on the steps of Helsinki Cathedral as part of the Light for Ukraine event organised at Senate Square to commemorate the victims of Russia’s invasion. Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality Thomas Blomqvist will also attend the event.

On Friday, Minister Haavisto will open a topical debate on Ukraine in the plenary session of Parliament. The one-year anniversary of Russia invading Ukraine will be commemorated around the world. Minister Haavisto will address a ministerial level meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) by remote connection. The meeting will discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Johanna Sumuvuori, State Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, will represent Finland at United Nations events held in New York in the United States. The UN General Assembly will hold an Emergency Special Session from 22 to 23 February. Finland has also signed NATO’s statement.

Main building of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will be lit up in Ukraine’s colours

On Friday, Finland will show its strong support to Ukraine in other ways as well. The Finnish state flag will be flown on the main flagpoles by the Government Palace and the Foreign Ministry’s main building. The Ukrainian flag will be flown at Senate Square in front of the Government Palace and on the line of flags at Martti Ahtisaari Square. The Finnish and Ukrainian flags will be flown on other Government buildings, too. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will illuminate the façade of its main building in Ukraine’s national colours from Thursday evening to Saturday morning. 

On Friday, the Foreign Ministry's social media accounts will use a black-and-white version of the Ministry's logo to commemorate and commiserate the victims of the war. The Ministry has encouraged Finland’s mission abroad to communicate actively and visibly in support of Ukraine in their host countries.