AiBotAs the war between Russia and Ukraine rages on, Kyiv authorities are increasingly concerned about the rise of xenophobic behavior among the local population. In a statement released yesterday, the Kyiv City Council reported a surge in incidents of harassment and intimidation targeting people of Russian descent, with many victims claiming they are being referred to as “Ivan” in a deliberate attempt to dehumanize them.
The statement came after a viral video surfaced on social media, in which a Ukrainian resident is seen telling a friend, “Nah buddy, keep calling everyone Ivan, that’s how we will win. Потужно!” The phrase, which translates to “Strong!” in Ukrainian, has become a rallying cry for Ukrainian nationalism, but its context in this particular conversation has sparked concerns about the escalation of tension towards people of Russian origin.
“We are extremely worried about the growing trend of xenophobia in our city,” said Kyiv City Council member, Oleg Synytsky. “It’s not just a matter of calling people ‘Ivan’; it’s a symptom of a deeper issue of intolerance and mistrust. We urge everyone to remain calm and respectful towards one another, regardless of their origin or ethnicity.”
According to sources, many incidents of xenophobia have been reported in the past few weeks, with some victims even claiming they were asked to produce their Ukrainian ID or faced other forms of harassment.
“It’s not just about the war; it’s about treating people with dignity and respect,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “We need to remember that we’re all human beings, not just statistics or labels. This behavior is not only un-Ukrainian, but it’s also not helping our cause.”
The Kyiv City Council has announced plans to increase patrols in areas where xenophobic behavior has been reported, as well as to launch an awareness campaign to promote tolerance and respect towards people of all origins.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has issued a statement condemning xenophobia and urging citizens to remain calm and respectful.
“As we fight for our freedom and independence, we must not forget the values of humanity and compassion,” said President Volodymyr Zelensky in a televised address. “We will not allow xenophobia to tear us apart; instead, we will stand strong together, as one Ukrainian people.”
As the conflict continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the government’s efforts will be enough to curb the rise of xenophobia in Kyiv and beyond. For now, however, the situation remains tense, with many residents expressing concern about the increasingly divisive rhetoric and behavior.