People light candles at Senate Square in Helsinki, Finland on February 24, 2025 to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. LEHTIKUVA
- Next Article Barack Obama to speak in Tampere this May
Thousands of people gathered at Helsinki’s Senate Square on Monday evening to commemorate the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, showing solidarity with the Ukrainian people through a candlelight vigil.
The vigil, titled ‘Light for Ukraine,’ began at 6 pm with the solemn ringing of the bells from Helsinki Cathedral, followed by a minute of silence.
Approximately 2,000 candles provided by organisers illuminated the cathedral steps, many placed by visitors earlier in the afternoon. Attendees brought additional candles, significantly exceeding organisers’ expectations. Helsinki police estimated around 2,000 people were present at the event by early evening, but organisers said the final attendance was closer to 7,000.
Jukka Selenius, a Helsinki resident, was among the first to arrive at the cathedral steps with his blue and yellow candles, representing the colours of the Ukrainian flag. He said his participation was a sign of support against injustice.
“Russia’s attack on Ukraine is deeply unjust. Finland experienced aggression in its history, and we understand the suffering this causes,” Selenius said.
For some attendees, the event had deep personal significance. Tanja Heikkinen, a woman who has lived in Finland for four decades and whose mother is Ukrainian, spoke of her personal connection.
“My mother is safe, but my family in Ukraine is suffering,” Heikkinen said.
The event organisers had provided approximately 2,000 candles for participants, although many people brought their own. Following the vigil, these candles are set to be delivered to Ukrainian frontlines, where their wax will be recycled for further use.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb arrived in Kyiv earlier on Monday to mark the anniversary, meeting Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This marks Stubb’s second visit to Ukraine since taking office.
In a joint statement, the organisers—’Mothers for Peace’, the Ukrainian Association in Finland, Helsinki’s city authorities, the University of Helsinki, Finland’s Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ukrainian Embassy—urged residents of Helsinki to join together in remembrance of war victims and in solidarity with Ukrainians.
In Tampere, a similar event was held simultaneously at the Central Square. Members of the Ukrainian community and locals attended a candlelight ceremony and demonstration to underline their continued support.
Dean Olli-Pekka Silfverhuth, from Tampere Cathedral Parish, said the gathering aimed to demonstrate that Finnish support for Ukraine remains strong.
“We are here to pray and stand together for a just and lasting peace,” Silfverhuth stated.
The Finnish Government marked the anniversary by flying the Ukrainian flag at Government Palace and at Senate Square. The national gesture underscored Finland’s ongoing political, humanitarian, and financial commitment to Ukraine.
The country recently announced a contribution of €4.5 million to the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine, aiding Ukraine’s critical public services, infrastructure restoration, and European integration efforts. Finland has provided extensive support since the conflict began, including financial aid and military equipment, and has emerged as one of Ukraine’s most steadfast international allies.
President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, travelled to Kyiv earlier on Monday to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reiterating Finland’s continued support. Stubb’s visit marked his second journey to Ukraine during his presidency.
HT
- Next Article Barack Obama to speak in Tampere this May
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
