It has been 80 years since Northern Norway was liberated from Nazi German occupation, but the celebrations are different now. The traditional version of Russian troops marching over the border east of Kirkenes and launching the liberation of Finnmark is being challenged. The relations between Norway and Russia have cooled, leading to separate memorial ceremonies in Kirkenes to honor the liberation.
In the past, joint liberation ceremonies included officials from both Russia and Norway, but this year there were two separate ceremonies. The Norwegians held a morning ceremony led by elected officials in Kirkenes, while Russian officials held their own ceremony later in the day. Both sides paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the war and recognized their shared history.
However, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there are differing views on the need to recognize national borders and challenge authoritarian leaders. State secretary Eivind Vad Petersson stated that it was no longer possible to have a joint memorial with Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. Despite the changing views on the liberation itself, it is important to show gratitude to the Red Army for their role in the liberation.
According to two Norwegian historians, the liberation was restricted to the region of Sør-Varanger and not all of Finnmark. They emphasized the multi-ethnic composition of the Soviet Union’s Red Army and the diverse nationalities among the soldiers. The historians argued that the Red Army’s goal was to secure important mines for nickel production in the northern areas east of Norway’s border.
The ongoing diplomatic tensions between Norway and Russia have led to the closure of the consulate in Kirkenes and the expulsion of diplomats. The recent decision by Norway to require more Russian employees at Russia’s embassy in Oslo to travel home was met with a sharp rebuke from the Russian foreign ministry. The appointment of a new ambassador specializing in Arctic affairs indicates Russia’s interest in expanding its influence in the region.
As relations between Norway and Russia remain strained, the future of their diplomatic ties is uncertain. The shared history of the liberation of Northern Norway is being reevaluated, prompting a need for new thinking and soul-searching to navigate the complex relationship between the two countries.
