Norwegian-Russian Battle of Wreaths During the Commemoration of Finnmark's Liberation Kirkenes (High North News): It became a battle of the wreaths on Wednesday, when Kirkenes commemorated the liberation of Eastern Finnmark on October 25, 1944. Shortly after Mayor Magnus Mæland (Conservatives) had laid down a wreath in Ukrainian colors by the monument, the Russian consul laid his wreath in front of the Norwegian one.
Claim Your Freedom, Kirkenes Commentary (Kirkenes): Sør-Varanger municipality is uniquely positioned in Norwegian foreign policy. It was when the municipality was lifted out of German occupation in 1944. And it is when Russia is waging a bloody war in Ukraine.