Finland issues Nat´l declaration marking 1st year of Russia´s invasion of Ukraine

Finland will mark the first anniversary of Russia´s invasion of Ukraine on Friday in befitting manners, said the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in a press release on Thursday.

Friday 24 February is the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The ministry has taken various programmes marking the day to show its solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and to commemorate the victims of Russia’s aggression.

Finland’s national declaration, signed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto, will be issued on the day.

In the declaration, Finland condemns Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and demands Russia to cease military action immediately and withdraw its armed forces from Ukraine.

The declaration reaffirms Finland’s unwavering support to Ukraine and Ukrainians.

On the evening of the anniversary, Haavisto will light a candle on the steps of Helsinki Cathedral as part of the Light for Ukraine event organised at Senate Square to commemorate the victims of Russia’s invasion.

Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality Thomas Blomqvist will also be also present on the occasion.

Haavisto will open a topical debate on Ukraine in the plenary session of Parliament on Friday.

The Finnish state flag will be hoisted on the main flagpoles by the Government Palace and the Foreign Ministry’s main building.

The Ukrainian flag will be hoisted at Senate Square in front of the Government Palace and on the line of flags at Martti Ahtisaari Square.

The Finnish and Ukrainian flags will be hoisted on other Government buildings, too.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will illuminate the façade of its main building in Ukraine’s national colours from Thursday evening to Saturday morning.

The Foreign Ministry's social media accounts will use a black-and-white version of the Ministry's logo to commemorate and commiserate the victims of the war.

The Ministry has encouraged Finland’s mission abroad to communicate actively and visibly in support of Ukraine in their host countries.

The one-year anniversary of Russia invading Ukraine will be commemorated around the world. Haavisto will address a ministerial level meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) by remote connection. The meeting will discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Johanna Sumuvuori, State Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, will represent Finland at United Nations events held in New York in the United States.

The UN General Assembly will hold an Emergency Special Session from 22 to 23 February. Finland has also signed NATO’s statement.