In Mariehamn, the capital of the Åland Islands, opposite the Consulate General of the Russian Federation, lies a truly remarkable place. Amidst the trees of Storagatan avenue, every day at 5:00 PM since February 24, 2022—when Russia invaded Ukraine—a loud voice of protest and solidarity with the victims of Putin’s criminal regime can be heard right under the windows of the Russian diplomats. People bring flags and signs, shout slogans in support of Ukraine, and pay their respects with a minute of silence.

A handmade sign with the name Ukrainaplatsen (Ukraine Square) has been hung on one of the trees. Although this is not the official, administrative name of the square, the city authorities have renamed the nearby bus stop. In this way, the grassroots initiative has become a significant and audible voice of dissent. The protest lasts about 10 minutes.

Here is my photo report and audio recordings.

Welcome to Ukraine Square!

We meet here daily at 5:00 PM to protest against the war in Ukraine.
We have been doing this since February 24, 2022.

We start by shouting „Ukraine” five times. Then a minute of silence is held.
After that, we sing Beethoven’s Ninth, with new lyrics by Kim Hansson, Geta, two times:

In Europe we want to live,
here freedom shall reign strong.
No one shall subjugate us,
here we stand on our own ground.
Peace and freedom link
us into one people living here.
We are all Europeans,
here our life, our joy, is.

After that, we shout „Stop the war” five times.
„Putin to The Hague” we shout thereafter five times.
And finish with „Just Peace for Ukraine” five times.

We also have a Facebook group „Ukrainaplatsen, Mariehamn” with over 300 members.