On Ukraine's National Flag Day, the Ukrainian flag was raised near the German Embassy in Lithuania as a symbol of the unwavering confidence of Ukrainians and our German friends in victory. 

During the solemn flag-raising ceremony, Rüdiger Zettel, Chargé d'Affaires of Germany in the Republic of Lithuania, marked: "It is very symbolic that we are raising the Ukrainian flag on August 23. On the one hand, this day reminds us of a dark chapter in the history of Europe and the entire world when, in 1939, the pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union paved the way for World War II, leading to endless violence, the Holocaust, mass deportations, and other horrific war crimes. However, at the same time, it is also a day of hope, as 50 years after the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, on this day, the Baltic nations, united in a human chain from Vilnius to Tallinn, took a step toward freedom and independence." 

In turn, Viktor Hamotskyi, Chargé d'Affaires of Ukraine in the Republic of Lithuania, emphasized: "We greatly appreciate everything Germany has done to help Ukraine fight and win since Russia launched its full-scale aggression. Therefore, today's event is not only symbolic. It is a continuation of Germany's solidarity with Ukraine, Germany's immense support, and Ukrainian-German unity on the path to our shared victory over a common enemy." 

We express our sincere gratitude to the German Embassy in Lithuania and its entire team for their unwavering support of Ukraine. In times when our nation is fighting for its future, your help and solidarity become a beacon of light on the path to victory. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will achieve a just peace. 

Photo credits: German Embassy in Vilnius/Irmantas Gelūnas