How Sunderland is showing its support for Ukraine's fight for freedom
“The fourth anniversary of the war is a moment to think on and reflect about all the Ukrainians whose lives have been changed by the full-scale invasion of their country,” says the leader of Sunderland City Council as the city shows solidarity with Ukraine.
Tonight, Tuesday 24 February, will see the lighting of city landmarks in yellow and blue, the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
City landmarks were first lit in the Ukrainian national colours during March 2022 as part of a world-wide demonstration of support.
They have since been lit to mark the February invasion anniversaries and on Thursday 24 August 2023 when Ukraine Independence Day was exactly 18 months since the beginning of the invasion.
Landmarks lit from dusk include Penshaw Monument, Northern Spire, Keel Square, Fulwell Mill and Hylton Castle.
Tonight’s lighting will be the first time the Keel Crossing has been lit yellow and blue since it opened in October 2025.
Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Michael Mordey said: "The fourth anniversary of the war is a moment to think on and reflect about all the Ukrainians whose lives have been changed by the full-scale invasion of their country.
"Their courage, sacrifice and resilience are lessons to us all as we honour those who have lost their lives, those who have been displaced, and all those who continue to resist and show extraordinary courage.
"Lighting our landmarks shows that we stand with Ukraine and support the country’s fight for peace and self-determination."