STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Sweden will identify half of a park the place the Russian embassy is positioned as Place of Free Ukraine, in solidarity with the Ukrainian individuals, the town of Stockholm mentioned.
Anna Konig Jerlmyr, mayor of the Swedish capital, mentioned the choice was taken on Thursday as a result of of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb 24.
“It will likely be an enduring image over the City of Stockholm’s solidarity with the Ukrainian individuals and an essential sign in opposition to the actions of the Russian regime,” Konig Jerlmyr mentioned in a Facebook publish.
Russia calls its motion in Ukraine a “particular operation” to disarm Ukraine and shield it from fascists. Ukraine and the West say the fascist allegation is baseless and that the struggle is an unprovoked act of aggression.
Sweden’s choice to rename the park follows identify adjustments of places by a number of different international locations to present assist for Ukraine.
The Latvian capital of Riga had renamed the road the place Russia’s embassy is positioned Independent Ukraine Street, whereas Vilnius, in neighbouring Lithuania, named its Russian embassy avenue Heroes of Ukraine Street.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pressured Sweden and its neighbour Finland to think about whether or not their longstanding army neutrality continues to be one of the best ways to guarantee nationwide safety.
The two international locations will collectively categorical their want to be a part of NATO in May, tabloid newspapers Iltalehti in Finland and Expressen in Sweden reported on Monday, citing sources shut to the matter.
(Reporting by Helena Soderpalm; Editing by Robert Birsel)
