On 24th and 25th February 2024, City of Lublin commemorated the second anniversary of full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine and the humanitarian aid provided by Lublin residents to Ukraine and its citizens. On February 24, 2022, the geopolitical situation of Europe changed utterly. The outbreak of war in Ukraine caused an influx of war immigrants, and Lublin and its entire community were actively involved in both immediate and long-term assistance for people coming from areas affected by warfare. Together, Ukrainians and Poles confirmed their commitment to building a lasting and democratic, united future.
The official celebrations started on February 24, at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Lublin City Hall, where a plaque was unveiled commemorating Lublin being awarded the title of the City Rescuer by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. The "City Rescuer" distinction was presented by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, to the Mayor of Lublin, Krzysztof Żuk, on April 6, 2023. The President of Ukraine honoured the City of Lublin for the comprehensive assistance and solidarity shown to the Ukrainian nation and supporting Ukraine in defending its independence and sovereignty. Therefore, the gathering of people moved to the headquarters of the Consulate General of Ukraine where the Ukrainian and Polish flags were raised.
In the hall of the "Orion" building, the "Lublin helps Ukraine" exhibition was unfolded. It presented different forms of aid provided to Ukraine and its citizens by the City of Lublin and its inhabitants in the first year after the outbreak of war. The programme of the celebration also included the exhibition "Unissued Diplomas" presenting the fate of 40 Ukrainian students who died in Ukraine, the screening of the film "20 Days in Mariupol", as well as a performance and concert at Litewski Square.
