Saturday morning saw the Ukrainian flag raised side by side with the Norwegian one at Løvebakken outside the Parliament. It is rare for the Parliament to hoist flags other than the Norwegian one, but this time – as on the same day last year – the presidency found it necessary to make an exception to the flag regulations.
The flag-raising is intended to show support for Ukraine, two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring country.
«The war in Ukraine has become protracted. With increased living costs, war in the Middle East, and other acute problems, war fatigue can set in both among politicians and ordinary people in Western countries. Nevertheless, this is a fatigue we cannot afford. Support for Ukraine must continue,» writes Parliament President Masud Gharahkhani in a post in VG.
The war has had significant human and material repercussions for the civilian population. An immediate end to the war does not seem realistic.
Across the Country In at least 19 cities nationwide – from Kristiansand in the south to Kirkenes in the north – demonstrations in support of Ukraine and Ukrainians were held on Saturday.
In Oslo, the Ukrainian Association in Norway, the Norwegian-Ukrainian Friendship Association, and the Ukrainian Embassy organized a support concert, photo exhibition, and demonstration outside the Parliament.
After a minute of silence for the victims of the war, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide (Ap), Members of Parliament Henrik Asheim (H), Abid Raja (V), and Christian Tybring-Gjedde (Frp), and the Mayor of Oslo Eirik Lae Solberg (H) delivered speeches.
«We must support Ukraine’s defense until Russia understands that might does not make right. Then we must support Ukraine in securing peace,» writes Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in a statement on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
Serious Threat Echoing messages from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) and Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp) on several occasions, Eide emphasizes that Ukraine’s security and defense are of great importance to Norway’s security and defense.
«Norway faces a more serious threat picture than for several decades. The consequences for our security resulting from the outcome of Russia’s warfare can hardly be overstated,» writes the Foreign Minister.
«We must support Ukraine’s defense until Russia understands that might does not make right. Then we must support Ukraine in securing peace. This will take time. The costs will be significant,» he writes.
After the demonstration outside the Parliament, protesters marched to the square outside the Russian embassy – which some like to call Ukraine’s square – to hold a brief protest demonstration.
(©NTB)