Stockholm Revives Historic Monday Movement in Show of Support for Ukraine

Solidarity Gatherings in Stockholm

According to Главком: Every Monday at noon, solidarity rallies for Ukraine take place at Norrmalmstorg Square in Stockholm, a tradition that resumed on February 28, 2022. This practice traces back to the Monday Movement of 1990, originally launched to back the Baltic states' push for independence. Norrmalmstorg Square carries historical weight, famously linked to a 1973 bank robbery that gave rise to the term 'Stockholm syndrome.' Since 1994, the square has featured the 'Freedom Source' monument, crafted by sculptor Björn Selder, honoring the Baltic peoples' liberation struggle.

The Monday Movement's Origins

In March 1990, the Monday Movement was born at Norrmalmstorg Square, initiated by Gunnar Hökmark, Peeter Luksep, Håkan Holmberg, and Anders Küng to support the independence of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The movement quickly spread, reaching over 50 cities across Sweden during the 1990s. The Monday gatherings for Ukraine, revived in 2022, were also initiated by Gunnar Hökmark, the only surviving member of the original founders.

On April 27, 2026, Serhiy Tomilenko, head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, addressed the rally. He spoke about the challenging work of Ukrainian media professionals amid the war, emphasizing:

'Journalism in Ukraine today is not just a profession. It is a mission. It is a form of resistance. Every day, Ukrainian journalists work under shelling, under Russian drones, under constant risk. They document war crimes, counter disinformation and propaganda, and keep the truth alive.' Serhiy Tomilenko

He also highlighted that 'today, at least 28 Ukrainian journalists are being held by Russia. All of them are civilians. But Russia labels them extremists and terrorists. Their real crime is simple: they spoke the truth.' These remarks underscore the importance of the weekly solidarity actions at Norrmalmstorg Square and their connection to historical events, as well as the present-day challenges Ukraine faces.

The Stockholm solidarity rallies serve not only as a display of support for Ukraine but also as a vital reminder of the historical contexts that shaped independence and freedom. They unite people in the fight against disinformation and repression, highlighting the relevance of journalistic work in wartime. The struggle for truth and freedom of speech remains a key aspect of modern Ukrainian identity and international solidarity.