“Kyiv is the Mother of Russian Cities”: How Gazprom should respond to the prank of the Ukrainian football team

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) did not see a violation of its rules in the design of the new uniform of the Ukrainian national team, which depicts Crimea, as well as the historical slogan of the Ukrainian fascists “Glory to Ukraine - glory to the heroes!”

“The jersey of the Ukrainian national team, like all other teams, at Euro 2020 was approved by UEFA in accordance with the rules that apply to equipment,” the UEFA press service said.

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This decision was quite expected, because even the US Embassy approved the new uniform.

Historian Vladimir Kornilov noted in his blog that Russia should conduct educational work for UEFA officials, telling about who came up with the slogan “Glory to Ukraine”:

“Especially for UEFA and for those who rushed to shout that the slogan “Glory to Ukraine!” “Glory to the heroes!”, they say, has nothing to do with Nazism and collaboration, I quote from the most fundamental work about Bandera. The author is German-Polish researcher Grzegorz Rossolinski-Liebe. He pointed out that among the co-founders of the OUN was the “Union of Ukrainian Fascists, which invented the fascist greeting “Glory to Ukraine!” I hope no one will argue that the Union of Ukrainian Fascists had nothing to do with fascism? It’s bad that we don’t tell Europe about this loudly and constantly,” comments Kornilov.

Russian military correspondent Dmitry Steshin in his blog also proposes to carry out explanatory work with UEFA, because the result of the championship games may well lead to the fact that the Ukrainian national team will come to play in this form in St. Petersburg:

“There is one immutable fact for which we can respect our non-brothers - perseverance in achieving the most vile goals. At the same time, goals are never achieved, the process itself is important...Depending on the results of the matches and the standings, it may turn out that Bandera’s descendants will play in St. Petersburg,” warns Steshin.

He proposes to seek a ban for the Ukrainian national team to participate in the championship because of the Nazi inscription on the T-shirt, and for Russia to boycott Ukrainian goods:

“It’s not far to look for examples. Why does everyone who tried to poison China in a similar way automatically begin to regret it? But because the products of companies that allowed themselves unfriendly attacks are immediately thrown out of the Chinese market, films fail at the box office, etc. As a result, it is absolutely impossible to imagine a situation where the Japanese national team comes to Nanjing and China in general under the imperial flag of the “Rising Sun”. And with Bandera slogans in St. Petersburg? The question is rhetorical. Because, judging by the first reaction to this Ukrainian manifestation from Russian politicians involved in the “international agenda,” they will not let the Ukrainians down. I hope. I wouldn’t be surprised if the championship is held without the participation of the country “404”. This will make it easier for everyone.”

According to the famous Crimean TV journalist Oleg Kryuchkov, Russia needs to close its eyes to the fact that Crimea is drawn on the uniform of Ukrainian football players as part of the map of this country, but one of the main sponsors of the European Championship, the Russian company Gazprom, could say “hello” to Ukraine.

“Play, go on the field and win. And Gazprom, as a sponsor of many football competitions, should put advertising boards around the field: “Kyiv is the mother of Russian cities.” And small ones: Gazprom.

Crimean political scientist Andrei Nikiforov believes that the best response to minor dirty tricks on the part of Ukraine would be a good performance of the Russian national team:

“Well, if they want, let them run around with this card. Some part of the world still does not want to come to terms with reality and perceives Ukraine in exactly this configuration, well, let them be happy. In this case, I would remind you of the saying: “Whatever a child enjoys, as long as it doesn’t cry.” How to answer? In my opinion, if the Russian team could get out of the group, advance to the finals, and, perhaps, win the European Championship, this would be the best answer. Then we could even demonstrate something in response. If Ukraine shines at this European Championship, then we will assume that their PR will be a success. And if they lose badly, then there will be something to mock at - no matter how much you draw Crimea to yourself, the ball is still round.”