As the world marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has displaced millions and claimed the lives of countless civilians, Belgium is hosting a series of events to honour the resilience of the Ukrainian people, remember those affected by the war, and reaffirm international support for Ukraine’s ongoing fight.
From classical concerts to policy discussions, these events provide an opportunity for reflection, solidarity, and action. Most are free of charge, but some require registration before attending the event.
Demonstrations
Stand United for Ukraine - Brussels
A large-scale rally hosted by Brussels-based non-profit organisation Promote Ukraine will take place in the capital on Sunday, 23 February at 14:00 at Place de l'Albertine. Promote Ukraine, one of Europe’s largest Ukrainian advocacy groups, has previously succeeded in uniting up to 15,000 people to call for a halt to Russia’s aggression against its neighbours.
This public gathering will serve as both a commemoration and a call to action. The leaders of the march are calling for Europe’s continued support for embattled Ukraine, a just peace “bolstered by the unwavering support of military aid, training, and strategic defence”, as well as continued sanctions on Russia’s energy and military sectors.
Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Promote Ukraine stresses that their protest is not just about the future of Ukraine, but also the “future of global democracy”. The group calls on Belgians, Ukrainians and other Europeans to join their march on Sunday. The event will feature artistic performances as well as speeches from activists and civic leaders.
Find more information here.
Stand with Ukraine: The Letters of Light - Ghent
On Sunday, 23 February at 13:00, Belgian-Ukrainian advocacy group Help Ukraine Ghent will organise a demonstration in the East Flemish city’s Poeljemarkt to share speeches, stories from soldiers and to take part in a minute of silence on behalf of the victims of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
During the event, the organisers are calling on attendees to make their own “Letters of Light”, postcards and letters of support which will be sent to soldiers currently fighting on the frontlines or in military hospitals in Ukraine. The event will also feature several video installations showing messages from Ukrainian soldiers to the people of Ghent.
Credit: Belga/ Jonas D'Hollander
The organisers state that they want to “honour the heroism of Ukrainian soldiers and write warm words of support that will be a ray of light for them,” they announced.
Stand with Ukraine - Antwerp
Since the start of the war, a dedicated group of Ukrainian volunteers have been hosting demonstrations in support of the Ukrainian people every Sunday from 13:30 to 15:00 at the KMSKA museum in Antwerp’s Zuid neighbourhood.
Illustration shows a protest action in Antwerp harbour regarding the situation in Ukraine, Saturday 16 April 2022. Credit: Belga/ Robbe Vandegehuchte
On Sunday, the eve of the start of Russia’s full scale invasion, these activists will be joined by ordinary citizens for a pro-Ukrainian demonstration organised by the Ukrainian scouting organisation Plast Belgium. This event encourages participants to bring their friends and national flags to show solidarity with Ukraine.
Find more information here.
Events
Divine Liturgy for Ukraine - Jette
On Sunday 23 February at 12:00, a Divine Liturgy will be held at the Saint Volodymyr the Great Ukrainian Church in the Brussels municipality of Jette.
Credit: Notre-Dame de Lourdes à Jette
This religious service will offer prayers for an end to the war, for a just peace for Ukraine, and to pay respect to the countless lives lost as a result of the ongoing Russian invasion. Attendees will have the opportunity to come together in reflection and faith as they pray for Ukraine’s future.
Ukraine's Cultural Resilience - Brussels
On Monday 24 February from 13:30 to 15:00, the Info Hub at the European Parliament’s Spinelli Building on the Esplanade Solidarność 1980 in Brussels will host an immersive performance dedicated to Ukraine’s cultural resilience.
Illustration picture shows European and Ukrainian flag and during the inauguration of the Center for Ukrainian Civil Society, near the European Parliament, in Brussels, Thursday 17 March 2022. Credit: Belga/ Nicolas Maeterlinck
The event will feature a 40-minute video showcasing Ukraine’s culture, traditions, architecture, nature, and fashion, accompanied by a live violin performance. This event aims to highlight the value of Ukrainian culture, which continues to be threatened by the ongoing war.
Registration is compulsory. Find more information here.
Europe's Role in Ending the War - Brussels
A policy dialogue entitled “Ending Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine: What Diplomatic and Military Role for Europe?” will take place on Monday 24 February at the conference centre of the European Policy Centre think tank in Brussels.
Credit: Belga/ Dirk Waem
This discussion will examine Europe’s role in diplomatic and military efforts to bring an end to the war. Experts and policymakers from Ukraine, the European Institutions and other international organisations will discuss ongoing strategies and potential future actions to support Ukraine and counter Russian aggression.
Find more information here.
Voix de Soutien: Three Years of Resistance - Brussels
At 17:00 on Monday 24 February, a solidarity event organised by refugee committee Ukrainian Voices will be hosted at the organisation’s offices in Brussels.
Credit: Ukrainian Voices RC/Facebook
This event will reflect on Ukraine's ongoing struggle for survival and cultural identity. The programme includes speeches from high-ranking officials, presentations on grassroots humanitarian efforts, and a discussion on the role of Ukrainian-language literature in Ukraine’s European integration.
Find more information here.
Film and culture
Gamlet - Brussels
Cinéma Aventure will host a screening of Gamlet from 19:00 to 20:30 on Monday 24 February.
Credit: Bevrijdingsfilms
This documentary follows Ukrainian street artist Gamlet Zinkivskyi as he navigates a war-torn Ukraine, using art as a means of documenting the resilience of the Ukrainian people. The screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the artist and director Jan Beddegenoodts.
Registration is compulsory. Find more information here.
20 Days in Mariupol - Brussels
On Tuesday 25 February, Brussels' Géopolis Center of Photojournalism will host a charity screening of the Oscar-winning documentary that captured the harrowing first-hand events of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Captured by an Associated Press journalist caught in the besieged city of Mariupol, the video documentary exposes the brutal reality of Russia’s invasion.
The event, co-hosted by the European Federation of Journalists, will raise funds for the Journalists' Solidarity Centers, which supports media workers in need.
Find more information here.
ZERNO concert and Fashion show - Bruges & Ganshoren
On Sunday 23 February at the Heilige Magdalena Catholic church in Bruges and on Wednesday 26 February at the La Planque event hall in the Brussels municipality of Ganshoren, Ukrainian clothing brand ZERNO will present a multimedia exhibition of classical and electronic music, fashion, architecture and visual art.
Credit: Zerno/Facebook
The concert programme includes works created especially for the event by Ukrainian composers and modern interpretations of classical Ukrainian compositions by American composer Gene Pritzker. The music will be accompanied by a video series dedicated to Ukrainian nature, architecture, painting, clothing and human tragedy.
Find more information here.
