In front of Kirkenes war memorial, Sergei  recorded video greetings to Russian soldiers in Ukraine

It is May 9, Russia's Victory Day, and journalists from the Barents Observer meet Korataev by the war monument in Kirkenes shortly before the local Russian Consul General is going to hold a ceremony on site. 

"Girls, are you Russian?" he asks the journalists.

Having confirmed that they are 'compatriots,' he requests them to record a video for  him. He stands by the monument and unfurls a Russian flag. The fabric is covered with numerous signatures — as it will later turn out, from Russian soldiers. The flag bears the word "Yermolino," presumably the name of a settlement in the Kaluga region.

“Guys, congratulations on the holiday! Happy Victory Day! Vanya, pass on a big 'thank you' to the guys there. From all of us. Here we are in Norway at the monument. Thank you very much for everything you do. Big hello to the guys”, the man says. 

— Who is Vanya? — one of the journalists asks.

— A volunteer, involved in humanitarian aid in Donbas. And the flag is signed by all the fighters.

— Those who are at war now?

— Yes, — the man confirms.

While the conversation is going on, Russian-speaking women bustle around the monument. They have collected funds for flowers and are now arranging the pots. Each has a placard with the name of the city from which the donations came. The women warmly congratulate the journalists and each other on the holiday.

Sergei Korataev returns with a new request — to record another video. This time — with a different flag, featuring the symbol of the Wagner Group.

“Vanya, and also a separate greeting to the guys, the Wagner guys. We know. We remember. So to everyone, Vanya, everyone on the 80th anniversary. And let the lads return soon, Vanya. All the best, Vanya, regards to everyone!”, - the man concludes his address. 

After the recording, he turns to the journalists:

— Do you know who the Wagner guys are?

— Mercenaries, — comes the reply.

— Yes, mercenaries, — he agrees. — But they defend our interests, for example, in Africa.

Meanwhile, people start to gather at the monument. Many hold bouquets, and on their clothes are St. George ribbons. Some congratulate each other:

— Happy holiday, girls!

Sergei Korataev is 53 years old and grew up in Russia, but has lived in Norway for many years. Barents Observer journalist Georgy Chentemirov approaches him to ask a few questions.

— What does the Wagner PMC company have to do with Victory Day?

— At the moment — nothing.

— Then why did you come with their flag?

— To congratulate the guys.

— Which ones? With what?

— With their victory.

— Did you know that the founder of the Wagner PMC, Dmitry Utkin, was a Nazi? Here is his photo — with SS tattoos.

— I didn't know. But I think you have some misinformation, — Sergei replies.

Then he pushes the journalist away. By this time, more and more people are gathering at the monument — about 30 people. They are all waiting for the speech of the Russian Consul General in Kirkenes, Nikolai Konygin.

Konygin, along with the diplomatic staff, arrives at the monument to deliver a speech. The patriotic Soviet song "Blue Scarf" plays from a large music speaker. On either side of the monument stand men — consulate staff. One holds a Russian flag, the other — a Soviet flag.

Konygin begins his speech:

“This is a sacred day in the history of Russia. When we, with special reverence and gratitude, honor and cherish the memory of the great feat of our ancestors in the fight against Nazism. We will always remember the horrors of that war and the decisive contribution of the Soviet Union to victory. The feat of the Soviet people unites. It teaches the younger generation such fundamental values as duty, love for the Motherland.”

The gathered applaud Nikolai Konygin and take turns laying flowers and wreaths at the monument. Some women cry, some cross themselves.

Amidst loud music, journalists gather around the Consul General to ask him questions. However, Konygin did not answer the Barents Observer's question.

“I will refrain from answering questions from the Barents Observer,” the diplomat explained.

When the famous song “Katyusha” plays from the speaker, people stand by the monument to sing it together. Someone forgets the words, causing the singing to falter, but the Russians start singing louder, picking up the melody.

— Happy holiday! Happy Victory Day! — shout the women.