Zelenskyy urges Farage's party to fly Ukraine flag again
Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Nigel Farage's Reform UK party to reconsider its policy of not flying foreign flags on council buildings, calling it a "small mistake" that could harm relations.
- Reform UK, which leads several UK councils, has a policy allowing only British flags on public buildings, while other councils fly the Ukrainian flag as a sign of solidarity.
- A Reform UK spokesperson stated that support for Ukraine is demonstrated through actions, not the number of foreign flags displayed, and that national flags should be prioritized on public buildings.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party to reconsider its stance on not flying foreign flags, including Ukraine's, on council buildings. Zelenskyy described the policy as a "small mistake" that could potentially damage significant friendships and relationships.
While many local councils in the United Kingdom fly the Ukrainian flag as a symbol of solidarity with the war-torn nation, Reform UK, which governs over two dozen councils across England, adheres to a policy that permits only the flags of the United Kingdom, England, and specific counties to be displayed on public buildings.
I don't want to get involved in any political matters, but, you know, today's world is so sensitive. Sometimes even the smallest mistakes can spoil a big friendship or important ties.
"I don't want to get involved in any political matters, but, you know, today's world is so sensitive. Sometimes even the smallest mistakes can spoil a big friendship or important ties," Zelenskyy commented to The Guardian. He emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that could jeopardize international relationships, suggesting a willingness to engage in dialogue to foster mutual understanding.
A spokesperson for Reform UK defended the party's position, stating, "Support for Ukraine is judged by actions, not by the number of foreign flags flying above our councils." The party maintains that while supporting Ukraine's fight against Russia is understandable, prioritizing national flags on state buildings is a matter of principle. They assert that their commitment to Ukraine is demonstrated through substantive actions rather than symbolic flag displays.
Support for Ukraine is judged by actions, not by the number of foreign flags flying above our councils.
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.