Landmarks across Europe coloured yellow and blue to mark three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion on Ukraine

On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, landmarks across Europe were illuminated in the vibrant yellow and blue of the Ukrainian flag as a show of solidarity. Countries including France, Germany, Poland, Denmark, and Scandinavia came together to demonstrate their unwavering support for Ukraine in its ongoing struggle for sovereignty and freedom.

The day was marked by significant displays of unity and remembrance. In France, the iconic Eiffel Tower shone brightly in yellow and blue at 7 p.m., as thousands gathered in Paris to honor the resilience of the Ukrainian people. French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside former US President Donald Trump, issued a joint statement calling for “united leadership in support of Ukraine,” reaffirming their commitment to the country in the face of continued Russian aggression.

In Germany, the solidarity was palpable as protestors marched past the Russian embassy in Berlin. Holding placards reading “Save Ukraine,” they urged their government to maintain its support for Ukraine. Since the onset of the war in 2022, Germany has welcomed more than a million Ukrainian refugees, making it one of the largest hosts in Europe. To mark the occasion, Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate was bathed in the colors of the Ukrainian flag as a powerful symbol of unity and defiance.

Scandinavian nations also displayed their backing for Ukraine. In Copenhagen, Denmark, the City Hall was illuminated in yellow and blue, while the Christiansborg Tower, home to the Danish Parliament, lit up in the same colors. Across the Baltic Sea in Latvia, the Freedom Monument in Riga was similarly lit in a display of solidarity with Ukraine, while in Poland, the Kladka Bernatka footbridge in Krakow and Warsaw’s Palace of Culture also gleamed in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

The day of remembrance and solidarity was marked not just by lighting landmarks, but also by poignant moments of reflection. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his recent address, acknowledged the devastating loss of 43,000 lives since the conflict began, though many analysts believe this estimate underrepresents the true scale of the human toll.

In Kyiv, President Zelensky stood in front of the Motherland Monument with other world leaders, as he expressed hope that the bloodshed could come to an end within the year. His remarks on the third anniversary of the invasion serve as a reminder of the long road ahead for Ukraine and the continued need for global support in the face of Russian aggression.

As the war drags on, the solidarity displayed across Europe signals that the resolve to support Ukraine remains strong. From the lighting of landmarks to public demonstrations, these acts of unity are a powerful reminder of the collective commitment to Ukraine’s freedom and sovereignty.