Ambassador Anniken R. Krutnes

Women's Day Event Shows Solidarity with Ukraine

On the evening of March 12, 2022, the Norwegian Embassy in Washington celebrated women worldwide with an event in observation of International Women’s Day. In light of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the evening also became a solidarity event; guests were asked to wear blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag, and Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova accepted an invitation to speak.

The event opened with remarks from Ambassador Anniken R. Krutnes, who expressed the importance of standing with Ukraine. “I think my Prime Minister put it well when he said that the war in Ukraine has sent shockwaves across the world and shaken us all,” she said. “There are no two ways about this.”

This was followed by a short interview with Ambassador Markarova, who answered questions posed by U.S. NRK correspondent Tove Bjørgaas. Markarova shed light on the situation in Ukraine and the plight of women and children and explained what her country needs at this critical time.

The speakers concluded with State Department Under Secretary Uzra Zeya, who reiterated the support of the United States in Ukraine’s fight.

The Embassy thanks all of the amazing women who attended the event and made it such a meaningful evening.

Ambassador Markarova speakss