On the anniversary of the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the population of all Swiss cantons held events of memory and solidarity.

On February 24, at 8:55 a.m., bells rang in Christian churches in Switzerland as a sign of solidarity with Ukrainians who suffered because of the war against Ukraine, and at 9:00 a.m., a national minute of silence was held.

In the cities of Bern, Zurich, Winterthur, Basel, Lenzburg, Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne, Fribourg and others solidarity marches and marches, demonstrations, charity concerts, lighting of memorial candles took place.

A joint prayer for Ukraine was held in Bern Münster with the participation of the President of the National Council, Martin Candinas, representatives of parishes, church associations, the Embassy and the Ukrainian community.

The Embassy of Ukraine and representatives of the "Bereznitsky Art Foundation" opened the photo exhibition "Ukrainian Guernica" in Bern. The opening was attended by representatives of the government, parliament, federal and cantonal authorities, the diplomatic corps, business, the educational and scientific community and the media. The photos of Ukrainian and international photographers, who documented Russia's crimes against Ukraine and the Ukrainian nation in the hottest spots of Ukraine, impressed the foreign guests.

Ambassador of Ukraine Iryna Venediktova emphasized that we will never give up freedom, independence, respect for international law and protection of human rights. The decisive moment has come when Ukraine is fighting for all future European generations. The unity of Europe and international partners is necessary for the victory of Ukraine. In their speeches, the State Secretary of the FDFA Livia Leu, the Mayor of Bern Alec von Graffenried and the US Ambassador to Switzerland Scott Miller once again confirmed their solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

In the evening in the old part of the city of Bern, the famous Swiss artist Gerry Hofstetter illuminated the clock tower "Zytglogge" in blue and yellow colors.

The Embassy of Ukraine expresses its gratitude to all citizens of Switzerland and Ukraine who joined the joint events of remembrance and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.