Council of Europe Events for the Anniversary of Russia's Aggression Against Ukraine
To mark the fourth anniversary of the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Council of Europe is organizing a series of events in Strasbourg. These commemorations underscore the ongoing international solidarity with Ukraine as the conflict persists. On February 24, a special meeting at the ambassadorial level will be held to discuss the consequences of Russia's aggression, which will be broadcast live to engage a wider public audience.
An official ceremony of remembrance will take place on February 25 in the square in front of the Palace of Europe. The event will feature addresses from:
- Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berse,
- Moldova's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, Daniela Cujbă,
- Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, Mykola Tochytskyi.
The ceremony will include performances of the Ukrainian national anthem and the European anthem.
In a visual show of support, the Council of Europe's main building will be illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag on the night of February 23-24. Furthermore, an exhibition titled 'Surviving the War' will be on display in the foyer of the Committee of Ministers from February 20 to 27. Concurrently in Kyiv on February 24, high-level foreign officials will pay visits, including:
- European Council President António Costa,
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen,
- EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Márta Kós.
These coordinated actions highlight the sustained backing of the international community for Ukraine.
The Significance of International Support
The planned events in Strasbourg and Kyiv demonstrate the active and continued support for Ukraine from the international community after four years of war. The Council of Europe's special meeting, with its live broadcast to a global audience, and the ceremonies honoring the victims of aggression, emphasize the critical importance of solidarity in the face of the challenges confronting Ukraine. These initiatives are also likely to bolster ongoing diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine on the world stage.