In London, the Palace of Westminster — the seat of the UK Parliament — was lit in the colors of the Ukrainian national flag (Photo: UK Parliament/X)
Parliaments and government headquarters across global capitals illuminated their landmark facades in blue and yellow to commemorate Ukraine’s Independence Day, the UK Parliament announced on X on Aug. 24.
In London, the Palace of Westminster — the seat of the UK Parliament — was lit in the colors of the Ukrainian national flag.
“At night, the Palace of Westminster is illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day and as a sign of the Parliament’s support for the people of Ukraine,” the official announcement stated alongside published photographs.
The Republic of Moldova also joined the international tribute. In Chișinău, the national parliament building shone in blue and yellow as a testament to regional solidarity.
“On Ukraine’s Independence Day, the Parliament building of the Republic of Moldova was illuminated in blue and yellow colors as a symbol of solidarity with the Ukrainian people,” Moldovan parliamentary officials noted.
In Canada, blue-and-yellow illuminations marking the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian independence bathed the federal Parliament buildings and the Office of the Prime Minister in Ottawa, the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada reported.
“Thank you, Canada, for standing with Ukraine and illuminating the heart of your democracy in our colors on this special day,” the diplomatic mission stated.
Key European Union institutions joined the demonstration, with both the European Commission and the European Council headquarters in Brussels lit in the Ukrainian national colors.
“This is a symbol of unwavering support for our brave neighbors. Our reliable partners. And a future member of the EU. Glory to Ukraine,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X.
The Council of the European Union reaffirmed that member states remain unified in their support for Ukraine and its citizens while condemning continued Russian aggression.
“The war in Ukraine is not waged solely on the frontline. Russia targets both the civilian population and civilian and energy infrastructure. According to UN data, civilian casualties in Ukraine this July reached their highest level since May 2022… Finland is committed to maintaining its support for Ukraine,” stated Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
The international illuminations coincided with high-level solidarity visits to Kyiv on Aug. 24 by European leaders, including European Council President António Costa, Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Frieden, President of Moldova Maia Sandu, President of Estonia Alar Karis, and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on his inaugural foreign trip. A concurrent session of the “Coalition of the Willing” convened in the capital alongside senior NATO and EU representatives.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and
Google News