On the night of August 25, 2026, one of Paris's main landmarks — the Eiffel Tower — was illuminated in the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag. The symbolic event, timed to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the declaration of Ukraine's Independence, became part of an evening of solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainians, which took place at Trocadéro Square. This is reported by Wave RBC.UA, citing the Facebook page of the Embassy of Ukraine in France.
Blue-and-Yellow Illumination on Independence Day
The upper part of the tower glowed blue, while the lower part shone in golden-yellow light, visually recreating the colors of the national flag of Ukraine. According to the publication, a photo of the illumination was shared by Parisian panorama photographer Jacques Harbouche (@rooftops_paris). Lighting up one of the most recognizable spots in Paris in Ukraine's national colors became a public symbol of support for the country on its main state holiday.
Evening of Solidarity at Trocadéro Square
The ceremony was opened by the Mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire, and the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to France, Vadym Omelchenko. The event was attended by Ukrainians, representatives of the Ukrainian community, as well as French friends and partners of Ukraine. For the attendees, members of the Ukrainian choir "Zernyshko" performed, adding a cultural and emotional dimension to the evening of solidarity.
Congratulations from the President of France
Earlier, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, congratulated Ukraine on the 35th anniversary of its Independence. The French leader expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and emphasized that France, Europe, and partners from the so-called "Coalition of the Willing" would continue to support Kyiv. "A free people cannot be conquered. Ukraine stands. France, Europe, and all partners of the Coalition of the Willing are with it," Macron stated, noting the support for Ukrainians who, in his words, continue to fight for the freedom, sovereignty, and future of their country.
Scale of the Event in Paris
In addition to the evening event at Trocadéro, the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence in the French capital was marked by a street march. According to RFI, about two thousand people took to the streets in the Paris march. Thus, the illumination of the tower became the culmination of a whole day of public solidarity actions, bringing together official diplomacy, a cultural program, and civil initiative.
Symbolic Significance of the Event
The illumination of the Eiffel Tower in blue and yellow is not merely a lighting display, but a gesture of international recognition and support for Ukraine on the anniversary of its independence. The totality of events — from the official ceremony with the participation of the Mayor of Paris and the Ambassador of Ukraine to the choir "Zernyshko" and the march with several thousand participants — demonstrates the sustained solidarity of French society and authorities with Ukraine in 2026.
