Landmarks across metro Phoenix are lighting up in Ukraine's colors to show support

From the Arizona Capitol to the Fountain Hills fountain, landmarks around metro Phoenix are lighting up in yellow and blue in support of Ukraine as Russian forces continued their assault on Friday.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego tweeted on Monday that City Hall would be lit up in "blue and gold" every night this week in solidarity with Ukraine.

"For those afar and here at home, we stand with you in support of freedom. Donate to help at https://usaid.gov," she tweeted.

The state Capitol was also lit up at the start of March, Gov. Doug Ducey announced in a tweet this week.

"The Arizona State Capitol is lit yellow and blue this week in honor of the brave people of Ukraine, and in support of their unwavering fight for freedom," Ducey said.

Tempe joined in the support by lighting its City Hall in Ukrainian colors as well. "Tempe City Hall shines with the colors of their flag," a post shared on the Facebook account of the City of Tempe Government said.

On Feb. 27, the Gilbert Water Tower was also lit up in the colors of the Ukrainian flag in solidarity, a post shared by the Gilbert Town Hall account stated.

Meanwhile, Scottsdale addressed the ongoing conflict during a City Council meeting Tuesday and held a moment of silence.

Mayor David Ortega said he was "moved by (Ukrainian) bravery and selflessness as they fight for their families and their country," according to a spokesperson.

As an additional show of support, the city is hosting a community forum on March 8 in collaboration with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to help its residents understand what is happening in Ukraine and learn about resources available to locals impacted by the conflict.

Residents can sign up for the online event here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2pPcBas5QdmrSgMLF587tg.

Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights also shared a photo of the building lit up in blue and yellow on Facebook.

"The Castle will be glowing in blue and yellow in solidarity with Ukraine every night. It is Tovrea Carraro Society’s honor to be able to light the skies for the brave peoples of Ukraine. We pray for peace," said Tamera Zivic, president of the Tovrea Carraro Society.

Fountain Hills also showed its support when it shared on Twitter that the Fountain Hills fountain will be lit up every Wednesday night in March with the Ukrainian colors to show support.

Around the Valley, residents have also shown their support by coming together in public and private spaces, calling for an end to the Russian invasion.

Hundred of people rallied in Phoenix in late February to support Ukraine and call for Russia to end the invasion, and Masses across the Valley were dedicated to praying for Ukrainians as the Christian Lenten season kicked off.

Russian troops invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. Explosions have been reported in the capital city of Kyiv as well as other major cities in the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin claims the invasion of Ukraine is meant to defend the Russian-speaking, self-declared republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, which left Ukrainian control in 2014.

The desire from Ukraine to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has also been deemed as a hostile act by Putin, spurring the invasion by Russia.

USA TODAY reporter Gabriela Miranda contributed to this article.

Reach breaking news intern Jane Florance at jflorance@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @Florance_Jane.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix landmarks are lighting up in Ukraine's colors to show support