Ukraine’s ban on St. George ribbon leading to rift in society

The Ukrainian organization of war veterans condemns the law banning the St. George ribbon, Chairman of the Kiev organization of war veterans Nikolai Martynov told  adding that the law was aimed at inciting social hatred and creating a rift between two fraternal peoples.

“War veterans are appalled at the decision to ban the St. George ribbon as it is a symbol of courage and valor in the face of fascism, which can be seen on military decorations, in particular, on the Order of Glory – the main award that was given to soldiers,” Martynov said. “We are confident that the St. George ribbon in no way symbolizes separatism,” he added.

War veterans believe that the ban on the St. George ribbon falls within the range of decisions aimed at creating a rift in the Ukrainian society. “This decision is in line with the decommunization law, renaming city streets, banning symbols of our victory and attempts to diminish the role of the Victory Day by declaring it a working day,” Martynov pointed out. “All this damages the unity of the Ukrainian people because a large part of society opposes such steps,” he said.

War veterans think that the authorities seek to incite hatred between the Ukrainian and Russian people. “They have created a political problem out of the St. George ribbon…which is in line with their unreasonable position aimed at inciting hatred between the Ukrainian and Russian people,” Martynov concluded.