Finland marks Ukraine´s Independence Day

Independence Day of Ukraine was celebrated in Finland on Thursday with solidarity expressed for the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The Lutheran Parish Union of Helsinki, the Ukrainian Association in Finland and Mothersforpeace organized the celebrations in which people from different strata, including government high-ups, took part.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, Helsinki city mayor Juhana Vartiainen, Ukrainian ambassador in Helsinki Olga Dibrova and leaders of the organizing committees spoke at a rally held in the Senate Square under the banner of “United for Ukraine – United for Peace.”

Speakers at the rally strongly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expressed all-out support for a free Ukraine.

The government hoisted the Ukrainian flag in the Senate Square and at Merikasarmi, the main building of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The building was illuminated in blue and yellow in the evening.

Earlier in the day, President Sauli Niinistö congratulated his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy marking the occasion.

“My sincerest congratulations and warmest wishes to President Zelenskyy and to the people of Ukraine on your Independence Day. Finland’s support for Ukraine remains unwavering as you courageously continue to defend your freedom,” Niinistö tweeted.

Before the rally, a sunflower procession marched from the centre of Helsinki to the Senate Square and to an event held on the steps of the Cathedral.

The procession brought citizens together to demonstrate their support for Ukrainian independence, freedom and peace.

The marchers, carrying sunflowers, the flag of Ukraine and banners, reached the upper level of the Cathedral and the Senate Square where they shouted various slogans such as “United for Ukraine. United for Freedom”, “Ormar Yemina supporta Ukraina”, and “Glory to Ukraine”.

“It is important to be in this march to support our country,” said a young Ukrainian participant.

“The goal of this event is to remind people that the war is not over. Every day, Ukraininan cities are shelled by the Russian army. Every day, Ukrainian defenders are killed on the frontlines. We need united efforts of all democratic countries to stop this war,” Nadiia Fedorova from the Ukrainian Association in Finland told the Daily Finland.

“Every day, we fight for freedom, democracy and peace. We will soon celebrate together the victory of Ukraine,” said Olga Dibrova, Ukrainian ambassador in Helsinki.

A choir made up of 4,000 singers received the participants of the march at the Senate Square.

All participants observed silence for two minutes in honor of Ukraine and Ukrainians to round off the event.