On the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in the 11th year of the war, Senate Square in Finland's capital, Helsinki, was filled with thousands of candles and countless blue-and-yellow flags as a sign of support for our country.

Nearly 7,000 residents and guests of Helsinki, the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the Finnish Parliament and government gathered to declare that Ukraine is in their hearts and that they will stand side by side with Ukrainians in our fight for justice, freedom, and the future of Europe for as long as it takes.

Ambassador of Ukraine to Finland, Olga Dibrova, addressed the audience and expressed gratitude to the Finnish people for their solidarity.

Ukraine's Paralympic champions, swimmers Anna Hontar and Yaroslav Semenenko, who found temporary refuge from Russian occupation and continued their training in Finland, also thanked Finland for its support.

Among those who came to show their support for Ukraine were Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Jussi Halla-aho, Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen, Minister of Social Affairs Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Sweden's Minister of Defence Pål Jonson, and Mayor of Helsinki Juhana Vartiainen.

We sincerely thank everyone who came today to support Ukraine, and especially those who contributed to organizing the event - the Lutheran Church in Helsinki, Mothersforpeace Suomi, the City of Helsinki Helsingin kaupunki - Helsingfors stad - City of Helsinki, the University of Helsinki, the Prime Minister’s Office Valtioneuvosto.  

#SupportUkraine #StandWithUkraine #StandForJustPeace