Diplomats and representatives from 36 countries and civil society joined a public solidarity event in Bangkok today (Friday), to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The event, entitled “12 Moments for Ukraine”, was organised by the delegation of the European Union to Thailand, the Embassy of Sweden, in its capacity as President of the Council of the European Union, together with the Embassy of Ukraine to send a message of unity and international support for Ukraine.

It was also intended to raise awareness of the immense humanitarian consequences of the Russian aggression.

During the event, twelve messages were conveyed to illustrate the humanitarian consequences of the Russian aggression, Ukraine’s resilience and the international support the country has received since the war started. Each of the messages symbolised one moment for each month of the war.

In his remarks, David Daly, ambassador of the European Union to Thailand, said Russia’s invasion was a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

“Attempts to change international borders by military force are illegal and unacceptable in the 21st century. It undermines the rules-based international order under the UN Charter. It is urgent for the international community to reaffirm that any comprehensive, just and lasting peace must be built on the underlying principles of the UN Charter,” he said.

More than 80 members of the public, academia, civil society and international organizations attended the event, held at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre (BACC).

Jon Åström Gröndahl, the Swedish ambassador to Thailand, said it is important to highlight the enormous human suffering that the Russian invasion has caused to the Ukrainian people.

“Ukraine and the Ukrainian people have a right to choose their own destiny and we will stand with them for as long as it takes,” he said.