The German Federal Ministry of the Interior has, in celebration of the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine, decided that federal buildings across the country will display the Ukrainian flag one day earlier than usual. The change is due to a planned state memorial service for former Bundestag president Rita Süssmuth (CDU) on February 24, the same date on which the anniversary is normally observed.
According to a spokesperson for the ministry, “for the federal sector this year the Ukrainian flag will be displayed on February 23, 2026, the day before the anniversary”. Former Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) had arranged for federal agencies to raise the flag of mourning on February 24 in line with the official memorial for Süssmuth. The order, however, applies only to the federal side, as the spokesperson noted that each German state retains its own responsibilities for national symbols and flag‑raising.
In the Bundestag, the flag will be raised on both days. “On February 23 the Bundestag will follow the government’s example” a parliamentary spokesperson told the “Rheinische Post”. “On February 24 the entire legislature will fly its flags at half‑mast-except for the west side of the Reichstag building, where the Ukrainian flag will be flown at full mast in the centre. The national flag of unity will remain unfurled, as always”. The legislature, as a separate constitutional body, therefore makes its own decisions regarding flag‑raising.
