In the evening, the Brandenburg Gate lit up in the colors of the Ukrainian flag Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH/REUTERS
By Sabine Klier
On the anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine, tens of thousands of Berliners gathered in the capital for church services, commemorative events and demonstrations – great solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Already in the morning the Christian churches prayed in an ecumenical prayer for peace in Ukraine. The victims of the war were commemorated in the church of the Catholic Academy (centre).
Federal ministers also took part. Karl Jüsten, head of the Commissariat of the Catholic Bishops in Berlin, said: “The task for all of us is to prepare for peace in war.”
The demo started on Karl-Marx-Allee Photo: picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PR
At the central event at the beginning of the war in Bellevue Palace, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier promised further comprehensive German aid. “You can rely on Germany.”
The Brandenburg state parliament also sent a sign of solidarity. Brandenburg’s Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke (SPD) called for a quick end to the war: “Mr President, finally stop the senseless deaths in Ukraine! You have it in your hand.”
The destroyed Russian T-72B main battle tank on Unter den Linden boulevard, with the Brandenburg Gate behind Photo: Ralf Gunther
Potsdam’s Lord Mayor Mike Schubert (SPD) wants to travel to Ukraine in the spring. Potsdam is currently preparing a partnership with the city of Ivano-Frankivsk in western Ukraine.
In the afternoon, 12,500 demonstrators marched from Karl-Marx-Alle to the Brandenburg Gate under the motto “We will never forget”.
The Governing Mayor, Franziska Giffey, said at the final rally: “I was and am overwhelmed by the great solidarity in the Berlin population. I will never forget the impressions of the Berlin Central Station. My big thanks go to everyone who alleviates the misery of the people with their commitment and wealth of ideas.”
The Brandenburg Gate glowed yellow and blue in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.