Wednesday 20 April 2022

Plans underway to rename Tallinn's Lembitu Park as Ukraine Square

Since the war in Ukraine began in February, many countries have shown solidarity with Ukraine by renaming the street in which the Russian Embassy in their capital city is located. Some Estonians suggested doing the same in Tallinn but as the Russian Embassy is located on the historic Pikk Street, not everyone was keen on the idea.  Instead proposals have been made to rename a park in Tallinn as Estonians consider it important to show support for Ukraine.

Lembitu Park is the most likely choice. It is a symbolic place for many reasons – firstly, buildings in the area were destroyed in the March 1944 Soviet bombings and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is located on one side of the park. Nearby is Iceland Square, named after the first country to re-recognise Estonia's independence in 1991. If all goes to plan the MFA will be between two squares named after two brave nations.

Lembitu Park is likely to be renamed before summer and will undergo a design change. A bed of sunflowers (the national flower of Ukraine) will feature in the park and possibly a pond.