The Eiffel Tower in Paris and Trafalgar Square in London lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, yellow and blue, to mark the first anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war. Paris and London stood in solidarity with Ukraine as one of the worst wars in modern times rages on
"There will be a life after this war, because Ukraine will win,” said Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo in a speech before the Eiffel Tower was lit up to show solidarity with Ukraine. She added, "I think no one will run out of this fierce desire for freedom, for Europe, for democracy that the Ukrainians are showing.”
Twitter: @LaTourEiffel
Breathtaking pictures of the Eiffel Tower were released online as one of the seven wonders of the world lit up in blue and yellow
Both leaders shared messages on the Russia-Ukraine war anniversary. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said, “On February 24, millions of us made a choice. Not a white flag, but the blue and yellow one. Not fleeing, but facing. Resisting & fighting. It was a year of pain, sorrow, faith, and unity. And this year, we remained invincible. We know that 2023 will be the year of our victory!”
Ahead of the anniversary, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the West had forced Ukraine’s invasion on Russia, and he understood the pain of the families of those who had fallen in battle. He also suspended Russia’s participation in the New START treaty
In London, several people draped in Ukrainian flags held banners with messages supporting embattled Ukraine as they gathered at Trafalgar Square at a vigil to mark the Russia-Ukraine war anniversary
To mark the first anniversary of the Ukraine-Russia war, other significant buildings in Europe such as European Parliament and Commission were similarly lit up in the Ukrainian flag colours
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2021, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was taken by surprise by Russian President Vladimir Putin as the latter’s army entered Ukraine’s territory escalating the ongoing tensions between the two European nations to a full-fledged war
Since the day of Russia’s annexation of Ukraine, about 8 million Ukrainians were displaced within the country by June 2022, and more than 8 million fled the country by February 2023, as per the Ukrainian embassy