Speaker of the Seimas: the flag of Ukraine is a new symbol of peace

Press release, 15 April 2022 

 

On the World Day of Culture marked on 15 April, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, calls for hoisting the flag of Ukraine as a new symbol to replace the Banner of Peace.

 

‘The Banner of Peace, where three ruby-coloured spheres are surrounded by a circle of the same colour against the white background, has been the symbol of the World Day of Culture for many decades. It meant commitment to the protection of artistic, scientific and cultural values.

 

Paradoxically though it may seem, the Banner of Peace has often been flying in the war zone of Donetsk in the recent years. As an emblem of Novorossiya, the Banner of Peace came to represent the alleged unity between the three states, namely, Kyivan Rus (Ukraine), White Ruthenia (Belarus) and the Russian Federation.

 

Yet the whole world knows perfectly well that no Novorossiya exists. It is common understanding, however, that the bloodstained symbol can no longer represent peace. Today, it is Ukraine that is defending peace, European culture and values. Let us therefore celebrate this year’s Day of Culture under the new symbol of peace: the flag of Ukraine!’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen urged.

 

Ilona Petrovė, Spokesperson of Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6030, mob. +370 698 42071, e-mail: [email protected]