Ukrainian flag raised at Dutch Foreign Ministry building in The Hague

In The Hague, on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag was raised on the flagpole of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

According to Ukrinform's correspondent in The Hague, the ceremony was attended by Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen, Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, and Ukraine's Ambassador to the Netherlands Andriy Kostin.

"Raising the Ukrainian flag on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the presence of two key ministers of the newly formed Dutch government is a powerful political signal of support for Ukraine. It is extremely important for us that the new parliamentary coalition and the newly formed government of the Netherlands have clearly emphasized that assistance to Ukraine will be long-term and sustainable," Kostin said in an exclusive comment to Ukrinform.

The raising of the blue-and-yellow flag became a symbol of the Netherlands' solidarity with Ukraine and support for the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russian aggression. Participants in the event emphasized the importance of continued international unity, strengthening support for Ukraine, and holding Russia accountable for war crimes and the damage it has caused.

In a post on X, Berendsen stated that Ukraine has been fighting for four years against Russia's full-scale aggression, which makes continued support for the country and increased pressure on Russia critically important.

"Ukraine has been fighting this full-scale Russian invasion for four years. A tough battle for freedom, but also for our European security. Support for Ukraine remains desperately needed. As is maximum pressure on Russia. This cabinet will fully commit itself to this," the statement said.

Photo credit: Iryna Drabok / Ukrinform