The German Interior Ministry has, for the first time, decided that the federal solidarity flagging of the Ukrainian flag on federal buildings will take place one day earlier than usual, on February 23, 2026, in anticipation of the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine on February 24. The decision was prompted by a state mourning ceremony planned for former Bundestag President Rita Süssmuth (CDU) on the same day. Speaking to the Rheinische Post, an Interior Ministry spokesperson noted that the federal sector would be allowed to display the Ukrainian flag on February 23, the day before the anniversary.
Bundesminister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) had originally ordered the mourning flagging of federal authorities for February 24, 2026, in connection with the official mourning celebrations for Süssmuth. According to the ministry, the order applies only to the federal domain. “In Germany’s federated state structure, the Länder have independent authority over national symbols and, consequently, flagging” the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, the Bundestag plans to raise the Ukrainian flag on both days. A Bundestag spokesperson told the Rheinische Post that on February 23, the parliament will join the government and display the flag. On February 24, the Bundestag will fly its own flags at half‑mast, except on the west side of the Reichstag building, where only the Ukrainian flag will be hoisted at full mast in the centre. The German Unity flag will remain unchanged, as usual. As the legislative body, the Bundestag retains the power to make its own flagging decisions independently.