Hundreds gather in Amsterdam to mark fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

More than 600 people gathered Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam, while a separate commemoration took place in Utrecht, to mark four years since Russia invaded Ukraine, organizers and local authorities said.

In Amsterdam, the crowd assembled on the Dam following a protest march that began at the Museumplein. Many participants carried Ukrainian flags and protest signs, including one that read, “I went out with friends on weekends. Now, I bury them.”

Dozens of Ukrainian veterans stood on the Dam, some in wheelchairs, holding mirrors with the text above them stating, "This is who we protect.” During the march and gathering, demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Stop Russia, stop war” and "Stand with Ukraine.”

A manifestation on the Dam was scheduled to continue until 4 p.m., featuring speeches by caretaker Dutch ministers David van Weel of Foreign Affairs and Ruben Brekelmans of Defense, as well as Ukrainian Ambassador Andriy Kostin.

The event in Amsterdam was organized by the Remember Together Alliance, a coalition of Ukrainian organizations. In a statement, the group said, "This march is a traditional procession that symbolizes the unity of the Ukrainian community and its European partners and is a confirmation of a shared commitment to the ideal of a united Europe.”

In Utrecht, the anniversary was also commemorated Sunday at the Oekraïens Huis Utrecht Vital'nya. Additional commemorations are planned in several other cities in the coming days.