Tuesday, 24 February 2026, will mark four years since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Support is shown in various ways in Rovaniemi.
The City of Rovaniemi will show its support for Ukrainians by raising the Ukrainian flag at Rovaniemi City Hall on Monday. The Lappia Hall building will be illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
On Tuesday evening, residents can express their solidarity with the Ukrainian people by lighting a candle in the city centre, on the banks of the Kemijoki River at the end of Koskikatu street. Please bring your own candles.
More than 700 people who have fled the war in Ukraine and are receiving temporary protection are currently registered as residents of Rovaniemi. In addition, hundreds of people under temporary protection are living in Rovaniemi within the reception system. They may apply for a municipality of residence in Rovaniemi after living in Finland for one year.
There are nearly 120 Ukrainian-speaking students in Rovaniemi across comprehensive school, upper secondary school, and preparatory education for a qualification. In early childhood education, there are nearly 50 Ukrainian children.