At 7.30pm on Friday, February 24, dozens of churches across the Netherlands will ring their bells in order to mark one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. 

12 months of war: The Netherlands stands with Ukraine

If you’re suddenly surprised by the sound of ringing bells on Friday evening, then don’t be alarmed. With February 25 marking exactly one year since Russia invaded Ukraine, churches located in over 50 Dutch cities have decided on a way to recognise and reflect on 12 months of war in Europe. 

Between 7.30pm and 8pm, the bells and carillons in churches in dozens of cities, including Amsterdam, Groningen, Rotterdam, Leiden, Maastricht and Enschede - will ring out, as will the bells of Saint Sophie Cathedral in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. 

Carillonneurs in Utrecht have organised a concert to commemorate those who have died during the war. "We want to give the people here and in Ukraine a helping hand," Erik Kerpen, chairman of the Utrecht carillon foundation, told NU. “It would be nice if they heard about this action in Ukraine and we could provide a small bright spot."

Thumb: Roel Krabben via Shutterstock.com.