Brussels’ Cinquantenaire Arch lights up in support of Ukraine

Four years to the day after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Cinquantenaire Arch in Brussels was illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag on Tuesday evening.

Belgium’s foreign minister Maxime Prévot said of the fateful anniversary: “Four years ago, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of a sovereign country. Since then, Ukraine has resisted. Its cities are bombed, its infrastructure destroyed, its children grow up in war. But Ukraine refuses to give in.”

The minister added: “This light tonight is our way of saying: we see your courage. We will not forget your struggle. And we will stand by your side, in the coldest nights, in the darkest moments, until peace returns.”

Public buildings minister Vanessa Matz reiterated this message. “By illuminating this iconic building of Belgian heritage with the colours of Ukraine, we reaffirm that the defence of international law, sovereignty, and freedom does not weaken with time.”

She said Belgium stood with the Ukrainian people. “This symbolic gesture is a testament to that, as we await the end of this war and the return to lasting peace.”

Belgium’s act of solidarity with the Ukrainian people echoed similar actions by the European institutions in the Belgian capital.

Photo: ©Regie der Gebouwen/Regie des Bâtiments