"We must stand together for freedom, democracy and independence"
Words of gratitude were offered for the Soviet soldiers that 80 years ago liberated Kirkenes. But today's ceremony in the Norwegian border town also included condemnation of Russian aggression and disrespect for international borders.
"We must never forget the cruelties of war and the huge suffering that was inflicted on innocent people. And let us never forget what brought us there: authoritarian leaders that spread hate speech, sowed division and created enemy pictures," local Mayor Magnus Mæland said a short address delivered at Kirkenes war memorial.
"In a world that again is pulled towards division and troubled times it is important to stand united against the voices of hatred. We must never give up up our principles about freedom, democracy and independence," the local politician underlined.
There were tensions in the air ahead of the ceremony. In 2023, a dispute erupted at the war monument following a provocation by a small group pro-Putin local Russians.
Before Moscow's full-scale attack of Ukraine, Kirkenes was site for joint Norwegian-Russian ceremonies.
In 2019, the Norwegian king, prime minister and foreign minister all traveled to the small town to attend a grand program for the 75th anniversary Kirkenes liberation. From the Russian side came Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Head Commander of the Northern Fleet Aleksandr Moiseev.
Back then, the Northern Fleet's army band was playing on the central square of the small town. Norwegian school kids were waving with Russian and Norwegian flags.
Five years later, everything is different. Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and the country's efforts to destabilise neighbouring countries have brought cross-border cooperation to a full halt.
Today, there was only a small and quiet gathering by the war monument. Mayor Mæland was accompanied by Finnmark County Mayor Hans-Jacob Bønå and Foreign Ministry State Secretary Eivind Vad Petersson in a ceremony held without official Russian participation.
In his address, County Mayor Bønå warned against forces that today undermine freedom and democracy.
"War of aggression is the language of despots. It is the language of those who want to take away the freedom and prosperity of their neighbours. Democracy, respect for international borders and respect for other nations' right to self-determination is what builds a better world and a peaceful future for all countries," the leader from the north Norwegian region said.
"The fight against Nazism was a fight against war and occupation. Let us honour all the ones that fought that fight at the same time as we take responsibility for continued peace and freedom in Norway," he underlined.
