The French and German embassies in Dhaka on Thursday evening installed a Ukrainian flag in front of their shared embassy building on Madani Avenue, Baridahara.

As February 24, 2023 would mark one year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the two embassies installed the Ukrainian flag to commemorate the day.

Both Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy and German Ambassador Achim Troster spoke on this occasion.

One year ago Russia “brutally invaded” Ukraine, resulting in a disastrous war with millions of displaced people in need of emergency humanitarian aid and civil protection, said the Embassy of France.

If this war constitutes, a fundamental violation of the integrity of the Ukrainian territory and sovereignty, it threatens, beyond Europe, the stability of the entire world, it said.

Since day one, France has stood by Ukraine in its fight for freedom and said they will continue to make all the necessary efforts to bring Russia back to the discussion table... at the time and under the conditions that are chosen by Ukrainians.

To commemorate the first anniversary of the Ukrainian conflict, the joint embassy of France and Germany has decided to display the colors of Ukraine by installing an Ukrainian flag in the front of their building.

With support from more than 140 countries around the world, the Ukrainian people have bravely fought back and are still doing so as we speak, in bitter cold and unbearable conditions on a frontline that spans more than 1000 km, said the German Embassy in Dhaka.

“The war must end immediately. We stand with Ukraine,” it said.

Because of the Russian aggression against a sovereign European country, more than 8 million people were forced to leave their homes, said the German Embassy.

More than 100,000 people have perished; numerous atrocities have been committed against the civilian population of Ukraine. A new study shows that the damage to the world economy is more than $1,600 billion already, it said.

The war that started one year ago is an “unprecedented violation” of fundamental values and principles of international law, said the European Union Embassy in Dhaka.

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a threat to all countries. the EU is united in supporting Ukraine,” said the Embassy.

On the eve of the one-year mark of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the UN General Assembly resumed its eleventh emergency special session on Wednesday to consider a new draft resolution aimed at restoring peace.

Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi said that, for almost a full year, the world body, UN Secretary-General, and international community have been consistent and vocal in calls to end this war, and to adhere to the UN Charter and international law.

“Let this anniversary and the anguish of millions before our eyes over the last year serve as a reminder to all of us here in this Hall that military solutions will not end this war,” he said. “Too many lives, livelihoods, families and communities have been lost. Russia can end its aggression and the war it has unleashed. Russia must end this hell of bloodshed.”

The General Assembly eleventh emergency special session resumed, with the introduction of a new draft resolution and two proposed amendments, and is expected to last into Thursday or Friday.

The draft text calls for an immediate ceasefire, demands that Russia leaves Ukraine, and emphasizes the need for accountability for serious crimes and justice for all victims.