I was shocked to see a Ukrainian flag flying outside Victoria’s City Hall recently, so I wrote to Mayor and Council1 with the subject line “have we been invaded?”
One of the Councillors responded:
Canada has not been invaded but Ukraine has been. I stand against imperialism, war, and colonization wherever it occurs. For that reason, I support raising the Ukraine flag as a sign of solidarity.
Because I have the luxury of time, being in between paid employment opportunities, I spend a lot of time listening to independent online journalists. I understand that people are being completely misled by the corporate/state media (again, still). So I crafted a response to my elected representative, including sources I’ve learned to trust, and thought you might be interested.
I appreciate your concern for the citizens of Ukraine. Like you and so many others, I am also opposed to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, before we take the side of Ukraine, it’s important to understand that the democratically elected Ukrainian government underwent a coup in 2014, backed by western powers. Their military now contains the openly neo-Nazi Azov Battalion which was "formally incorporated into the Ukrainian National Guard by the country’s Interior Ministry” and "founded by the openly fascist organizer Andriy Biletsky, who has vowed to “lead the white races of the world in a final crusade … against Semite-led Untermenschen.”” This is also discussed in a video titled “The truth about Neo-Nazis in Ukraine.”
And Zelenskyy is no angel, he has recently banned 11 official opposition parties, and “consolidated all public television networks into one in order to make sure the Ukrainian people are receiving a unified message about the ongoing war.”
I suggest reviewing Oliver Stone’s documentary “Ukraine on Fire” for a historical perspective on the complex history in the region.
When we fly a flag, we’re not actually supporting citizens. We’re supporting a government structure. As you’re aware, not all citizens within a nation identify favourably with their governments. So flying a flag doesn’t actually translate to supporting all the citizens within a geo-politicial region.
Also, consider the citizens of Yemen who are currently under invasion from Saudi Arabia, with help from US + Canadian weaponry. Palestinians who are living under perpetual occupation from Israel, which has also recently been bombing the citizens of Syria again.
As much as I empathize with all the citizens of these many wars, I don’t think it’s ever wise to fly a foreign flag outside a government building on Canadian soil. Traditionally, we fly a flag at half mast to express solidarity with loss. And sometimes remaining neutral is the strongest way to advocate for a peaceful solution. If you want to fly the Ukrainian flag outside your home, I think Canada is still free enough to allow you that personal choice.
For more history on the complex Ukraine/Russia situation, check out Gorilla Radio (broadcasts weekly at CFUV Radio in Victoria) and look back in the archives to follow the 2014 coup, and so much more.
Please share your thoughts, and your favourite independent sources!
If you send an email to councillors@victoria.ca it’ll go to the Mayor and all the Councillors.
Why is the City of Victoria flying a Ukrainian Flag?
Off-Guardian, UK Column and The Last American Vagabond have covered the Ukraine situation objectively and intelligently.
And...the people of Donetsk and Luhansk; are they not too Ukrainian? They've suffered appallingly due to the coup government in Kiev. Killed in their thousands since 2014, often in their homes, and their murderers aided and abetted by the Canadian government. Perhaps Councillor Loveday can spare a tear for them - or has the well run dry crying for the fascist tools of empire?