Tensions between Russia and Ukraine flared up yet again during a meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Community in the Turkish capital of Ankara. The meeting was disrupted by violence when a Russian representative seized a Ukrainian flag.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the Ukrainian representative was waving the yellow and blue flag when the Russian delegate took exception and marched across the foyer to rip it away. The Ukrainian counterpart gave chase and managed to retrieve the flag, throwing punches in the process. Others present tried to intervene, urging the two not to fight.
The situation had already been tense, with a member of the Russian delegation wearing a St George’s ribbon on her jacket, a symbol that Ukraine sees as representing Russian aggression. Things escalated further when members of the Ukrainian delegation unfurled their flag while a Russian delegate was speaking. Security staff attempted to calm the situation but were pushed aside.
Speaker of the Turkish parliament, Mustafa Sentop, adjourned the meeting and ejected the Ukrainian delegation, reminding attendees that the purpose of the gathering was to discuss parliamentary diplomacy, not engage in street protests.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Community was founded 30 years ago to provide joint support for strengthening cooperation and partnership in the region. The altercation between the Russian and Ukrainian representatives highlights the ongoing tensions between the two countries.
This incident serves as a reminder of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine that has been ongoing since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine. The annexation has been followed by a pro-Russian separatist insurgency in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas, which has claimed over 13,000 lives to date. The situation has caused tension between Russia and the West, with the United States and European Union imposing sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine.
