Helsinki residents rally in support of Ukraine

People gathered at Senate Square, a central square in Helsinki, on Monday evening to show their support for Ukraine at an event marking the country’s 35th Independence Day, Yle reported.

Despite the rain, residents attended the United for Ukraine event. Its start was delayed slightly until after 5 p.m. because of the weather.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Archbishop Tapio Luoma and Helsinki Deputy Mayor Johanna Laisaari were among those who spoke. Other members of Finland’s state leadership also attended.

Sunflowers, Ukraine’s national flower, were brought to the square as in previous years. The event ended with a procession from Senate Square to Citizens’ Square.

The event was organised by Church in Helsinki and the Association of Ukrainians in Finland in cooperation with the City of Helsinki, the University of Helsinki, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Embassy of Ukraine.