Several dozen activists from Natalia Vitrenko’s party, the Communist Party of Ukraine, the Komsomol, and other left-wing and Orthodox organizations on Friday took part in an anti-Bandera march and picket dedicated to the 72nd anniversary of the liberation of Kyiv during the Great Patriotic War.
Participants of the action laid flowers at the memorial to General Vatutin, and then marched in a column to the Eternal Flame in the Park of Glory.
At the same time, despite the authorities’ ban, red banners and a portrait of Marshal Georgy Zhukov, a banner with the St. George’s Ribbon, and posters were unfurled: “Traitors yesterday in the service of Hitler. Today – to US imperialism”, “Ukrainian Nuremberg is inevitable!”, “Kyiv is a hero city. Remember, traitor!”, “Obama, Merkel, Ashton are responsible for the Nazi dictatorship!”, “Eternal glory to the liberating heroes,” “Where are you, grandchildren of the liberating heroes?” and so on.
“Today is a holiday for the entire Russian world. Because Kyiv is the mother of Russian cities. This is written on a stone that is located near the Tithe Church. Kyiv was the capital of the ancient Russian state for four centuries. What would Rus' be like without Kyiv?” Vitrenko said.
Well-known Kiev cardiologist and Orthodox activist Valentin Lukiyanik expressed regret that the memorable date attracted so few Kiev residents. He criticized the glorification of the OUN-UPA by the new government.
“If we do not remember our liberators, if we do not remember whose descendants now rule in Ukraine, we will face the fate that the fascists have prepared for our Slavic people. OUN-UPA - at least one fascist was captured during its entire existence? We will be grateful to the military leaders, soldiers, nurses, and home front workers who brought the liberation of Kyiv closer. And we will do everything to free Kyiv from fascist evil spirits,” Lukiyanik said.
It is noteworthy that Kyiv schoolchildren also took part in the rally near the Eternal Flame.