Thousands of people gathered across Europe and in Canada on Sunday to mark the approaching third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with rallies in Prague, Paris, Brussels and Toronto turning the date into a public show of solidarity. The protests came one day before the invasion's third anniversary on Feb. 24, 2025, as the war entered its fourth year and European governments continued to debate how to shape support for Kyiv.
In Prague, Czech President Petr Pavel addressed demonstrators and said the conflict left little doubt about who had broken international law and who had been attacked. The remark reflected a broader theme that ran through the weekend's events: the rallies were not just commemorations, but also political statements about responsibility, deterrence and the need to keep backing Ukraine as peace discussions remain uncertain.
Paris and Brussels also drew large crowds. In Paris, participants unfurled a 262-metre flag as part of a public display of support for Ukrainians. The symbolism mattered because the demonstrations took place as European leaders tried to strengthen military assistance while the Trump administration signalled that it wanted Europe to play a larger role in Ukraine's financial and defence burden. The Kyiv Independent reported that allies were increasingly anxious about Kyiv's role in any future talks between Moscow and Washington.
Toronto saw a separate rally attended by thousands of Ukrainian Canadians and reported by the Kyiv Independent. Chrystia Freeland, Canada's former finance minister and a candidate to replace outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, took part and said the country stood on the side of democracy, rule and order, not bullies. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly had already said on Feb. 18 that Canada wanted to be involved in discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine.
The day's events underlined how the war continues to mobilise diaspora communities and allied governments far from the front line. Even as battlefield updates dominated the wider news cycle, the public rallies showed a durable reservoir of support in Europe and North America for Ukraine's wartime position. They also signalled concern that any peace process should not simply reward Russian aggression or sideline the country under attack.
What was visible on Feb. 23 was both simple and politically charged: people were willing to turn out in winter streets to show that the war remains a live issue beyond Ukraine itself. For organisers and speakers, the anniversary weekend was not just a memorial. It was a reminder that the outcome of the war still carries consequences for European security, transatlantic politics and the future terms of any settlement.
