From the blue and yellow illuminated Eiffel Tower in Paris to vigils in Brussels to demonstrations in Tokyo: people all over the world are showing their sympathy and solidarity with Ukraine on the anniversary of the Russian invasion. Many protest actions are taking place in front of the Russian embassies in particular.
In Berlin, a destroyed Russian tank appeared overnight in front of the Russian embassy on the Unter den Linden boulevard. In Warsaw, activists wake up Russian diplomats at 6 a.m. on Friday. The day before, activists in London had painted the street in front of the Russian embassy building in the Ukrainian national colors of blue and yellow.
February 24, 2022 changed the world. On that day, the Russian army invaded Ukraine on the orders of President Vladimir Putin. According to Western estimates, more than 150,000 people have lost their lives since then, and millions of others have been forced to flee.
A year later, the world is still firmly on Ukraine’s side.
Germany, Europe and the world show support for Ukraine
Blue and yellow flags fly in the government quarter of Berlin, in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg and in front of the UN headquarters in New York. The international community voted on a war resolution here on Thursday. In the end, the plenary vote was clear: 141 of the 193 member states voted in favor of a resolution calling for Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine.
In Berlin, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier prepares the people of Germany for a long-lasting effort to support Ukraine. “Germany is not at war, but this war concerns us,” said Steinmeier at the central event in Bellevue Palace. “Our determination and unity will be required for a long time to come.”
Several demonstrations are planned throughout the day in Germany, France and other European countries. Pictures and videos from Japan and Australia show that thousands of people in other countries took the anniversary as an opportunity to protest against the Russian aggressor. A poster at a demonstration in Sydney shows Putin with a Hitler beard and “Stop” written in red on his forehead.
Selenskyj is confident of victory
Meanwhile, in Kiev, President Volodymyr Zelenskyj is confident of victory and appreciates the resistance of his compatriots. “It was a year of pain, sorrow, faith and unity,” Zelenskyy said in his Twitter message. On February 24 a year ago, many made their choice: “Not a white flag, but the blue and yellow flag. Don’t flee, but stand up. Resistance and fight,” he writes about an emotional video with pictures of the Ukrainians’ struggle . “We know that 2023 will be the year of our victory.”
It is a message of hope and strength for the Ukrainians – and at the same time a signal to the whole world: Ukraine is standing firm. Stand by her side!
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
