To mark 500 days of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Finnish government minister Anders Adlercreutz, who is also a musician, has released a video of his performance of Chervona Kalyna ("The red guelder-rose", a Ukrainian patriotic march) on his cello in memory of those who gave their lives for the freedom of Ukraine.

Adlercreutz is a representative of the Swedish People's Party in Petteri Orpo’s new government. He has been made Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering. When he is not working, he also enjoys music and plays the cello.

The recording of the piece is accompanied by a video sequence alternating between the performance and footage from Ukraine.

In the chorus, Adlercreutz used a variation of the tune popularised by BoomBox frontman Andriy Khlyvnyuk at the start of the full-scale invasion, which is now widely used alongside the traditional version.

"In memory of those who gave their lives for freedom," the minister wrote.

"500 days of unprovoked aggression, countless war crimes, lost futures – but also of encouraging success. Ukraine fights for its independence, but also for Europe’s. Finland stands by you, today and tomorrow," Adlercreutz noted. 

500 days of unprovoked aggression, countless war crimes, lost futures – but also of encouraging success. Ukraine fights for its independence, but also for Europe’s.

Finland stands by you, today and tomorrow.

В пам'ять про тих, хто віддав своє життя за свободу. pic.twitter.com/P5D9WpPH39

— Anders Adlercreutz (@adleande) July 9, 2023

Moldovan President Maia Sandu thanked Ukrainians for peace in Moldova on the occasion of 500 days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The US ambassador in Ukraine promised that the United States and its allies will not weaken their efforts to support Ukraine.

The 500th day of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine was 8 July 2023.