Ukraine Support Concerts: Baltic States & Lithuania Respond to War

Lithuania and Baltic States Demonstrate Steadfast Support for Ukraine on Anniversary of Invasion

Lithuania marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with a series of solidarity events held in Vilnius and Kaunas, as well as commemorations taking place internationally. The events underscored the continued commitment of Lithuania and the broader Baltic region to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and resilience.

In Vilnius, a march titled “Our Flags Are Flags of Freedom!” commenced at Ukrainos Square and proceeded to Lukiškės Square. The march culminated in a concert designed to conclude the “RADAROM!” fundraising campaign, an initiative aimed at procuring robotic units for the Ukrainian armed forces. Residents and businesses had been invited to contribute financially to the cause, demonstrating widespread public support for Ukraine.

Twelve commemorative bonfires were lit in Lukiškės Square, serving as a poignant symbol of remembrance and solidarity. The concert featured performances by prominent Lithuanian artists, and public figures shared reflections and testimonies regarding the ongoing conflict and its impact.

“I hear people say our support does not matter because the course of the war will be decided by international negotiations,” said event organizer and journalist Edmundas Jakilaitis. “Those talks have been going on for more than a year, yet Russia attacks Ukraine every day. Financial support is the least we can do to help Ukraine hold out and win.”

Similar expressions of solidarity were held in Kaunas, where events took place on Laisvės Avenue and at various locations throughout the city. Candles were lit near the monument to Romas Kalanta and arranged to form a symbolic Ukrainian flag, honoring fallen Ukrainian defenders and expressing unity with the Ukrainian people.

A concert of remembrance and unity was held at the Kaunas Cultural Centre, providing a space for attendees to write messages of support to Ukrainian soldiers. An exhibition titled “4 Years. 1,461 Days,” showcasing stories from the Kharkiv, Lutsk, and Lviv regions, was also on display near the Kaunas City Municipality building, remaining open to the public through March 24, 2026.

This display of support from Lithuania aligns with the broader commitment of the Nordic Baltic States (NB8) to Ukraine. According to a joint statement released by the leaders of Ukraine and the NB8 countries, the region has provided over 42 billion EUR in military, financial, and humanitarian aid since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression. The statement affirmed that this support remains “strategic, long-term and unwavering.”

The solidarity extended beyond national events, with cultural initiatives also playing a role in demonstrating support for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra is scheduled to embark on a 2025 Resilience Tour, including performances in Lithuania and Latvia for the first time, as well as a return to other European cities. The tour, under the patronage of Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska, aims to showcase Ukrainian artistic excellence and serve as a cultural ambassador for the nation’s resilience.

The orchestra’s program will feature Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, chosen as a symbol of resilience against tyranny. They also plan to record the symphony for Deutsche Grammophon, following the success of their Ukrainian-language version of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony released last year. A new work by Ukrainian composer Maxim Kolomiiets, “Suite from The Mothers of Kherson,” will also premiere during the tour, paying tribute to the Ukrainian women who undertook a perilous journey to rescue their children detained by Russian authorities.

These events and initiatives reflect a sustained and multifaceted effort by Lithuania and the Baltic States to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, providing crucial support as the country continues to defend its sovereignty and cultural identity. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister reportedly stated that the country will continue to advocate for accountability for alleged war crimes committed by Russian and Belarusian authorities.