How the world marked a year since the invasion of Ukraine
A look back at the anniversary protests held in Russia and around the world, and at the landmarks lit up in solidarity.
What did the first anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine look like beyond the front line? On 24 February 2023, protests took place in countries around the world, and major landmarks were lit up to mark the date.
Inside Russia, anti-war activists were detained as protesters marked the anniversary of the invasion. The detentions were reported as demonstrators sought to commemorate the day despite the risk of arrest.
Elsewhere, the anniversary drew demonstrations in many countries. Alongside the street protests, the lighting of well-known landmarks served as a visible sign of solidarity with Ukraine.
A day earlier in Washington
The run-up to the anniversary had already brought activism to the United States. On 23 February 2023, pro-Ukraine protesters confronted visitors heading to the Russian embassy in Washington, D.C.
Taken together, the events of those two days showed the anniversary being observed in public, from the Russian capital's critics to embassy gates in the United States and to landmarks across the world.
