Mass Rallies in Support of Ukraine Across Europe and Worldwide Mark 3rd Anniversary of Russia's Full-Scale War

On the occasion of the third anniversary of Russia's large-scale military invasion, representatives of the Ukrainian community in Europe and around the world are holding rallies calling for continued support for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian aggressor, Ukrinform reports.

In Croatia, on Saturday 22 February, a large-scale rally in support of Ukrainians and Ukraine was held in the central square of Zagreb, attended by representatives of the Croatian government, the European Commission, the Zagreb city authorities and the diplomatic corps in Croatia. The organisers expressed their respect and solidarity with the Ukrainian people and reaffirmed their full support for Ukraine, which has been fighting the brutal Russian aggression for three years now, defending its freedom, peace, security and democratic values. 

‘The Croatian people, as a victim of the brutal Great Serbian aggression, understand the horrors experienced by the Ukrainian people. The Croatian authorities will continue to provide military, humanitarian and political assistance to Ukraine. We clearly stand for a peace that is just and lasting, based on respect for international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine,’ the statement said. 

In Switzerland, on 22 February, a march in solidarity with Ukraine took place in the heart of Bern from Münsterplatz to Bundesplatz, marking the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion. The event brought together Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine to show their support for the struggle for peace, freedom, democracy and independence. 2,000 participants marched through the city's central streets with Ukrainian flags and posters calling for peace and justice.

In Austria, the ‘Sea of Lights’ (Lichtermeer) event was held on St. Stephen's Square in the centre of Vienna to remind of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the continued urgent need for humanitarian support for Ukrainians, especially children. Also on 22 February, the Ukrainian Saturday School in Vienna observed a minute of silence in memory of the fallen soldiers and civilians who died as a result of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The participants lit candles and sang the National Anthem of Ukraine together.

In Hungary, on 21 February, a joint march for peace in Ukraine and commemoration of those killed in the Russian war for Ukraine took place in the city of Zagony. The event was attended by children from Ukraine, Italy and Hungary, who came together to express their support and solidarity with those who gave their lives defending their land from the Russian aggressor. The children made and carried posters calling for peace and drawings symbolising friendship between nations. Their sincere smiles and energy became a symbol of hope for a better future. The walk was followed by a joint prayer for the victims of Russia's war against Ukraine.

In Ireland, on 21 February, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Dublin hosted an Evening of Remembrance and Prayer for Ukraine, dedicated to the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. The event brought together representatives of the Ukrainian community, clergy and international guests to pray for peace and commemorate the victims.

In Brussels, Belgium, a charity evening ‘Brima's Camerata and Soloist’ was held to mark the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The event, organised by the Brussels International Music Academy with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in Belgium, brought together ambassadors, Belgian government officials, business representatives, members of the Ukrainian community and Belgian friends to honour the victims of Russia's brutal aggression against our country and support Ukraine's resilience. All the funds raised will be donated to the Pirogov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital, a Ukrainian medical unit led by volunteers that has been saving lives on the frontline since 2014.

In Italy, on 21 February 2025, the Esperienza Europa-David Sassoli space in Rome hosted an event dedicated to supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and democracy. Participants discussed the role of the European Union in defending democratic values and security on the continent, particularly in the face of ongoing Russian military aggression.

On 21 February, Lithuania hosted a forum entitled ‘Three Years, Many Fates: Defending Ukraine and the Future of Ukrainian Children’. The forum was dedicated to the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and was held at the Ukrainian Centre - Ukrainos centras, opened in Vilnius on the initiative and under the patronage of the First Ladies of Ukraine and Lithuania. The event brought together representatives of the governments of the two countries, international organisations, human rights activists, psychologists and experts. The participants focused on one of the most painful topics of the war - the forced deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia - and discussed the importance of providing assistance for their reintegration and the role of the international community in this process.

In South Africa, Ukrainians and South Africans gathered in Cape Town on 21 February to mark the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, to honour the victims of the war, and to demand justice and lasting peace for Ukraine. Participants chanted: ‘Stop Putin! Stop the war!’ ‘Bring our stolen children home!’ ‘Victory for Ukraine, justice for all!’. Earlier, on 20 February, a prayer service for a just peace in Ukraine and for those affected by the Russian war was held in the South African city of Knysna at St Boniface Church. The service united the Ukrainian and South African Catholic communities in prayer.

Earlier, the Ukrainian World Congress announced a large-scale advocacy campaign to mark the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine - Stand with Ukraine. The goal of the campaign is to remind the world of the third year of the full-scale war and the consequences of Russia's invasion for Ukraine and the world, and to call upon democratic governments to mobilise support for Ukraine, increase pressure on Russia to end the war and restore Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Overall, the campaign ‘Stand With Ukraine! Unite for Ukrainian Victory!’ campaign, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) online map of events marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, includes over 450 events that will take place in Europe and around the world these days.