Watermelon, raccoon, Banksy. these three new symbols emerged from the war in Ukraine

Watermelon, raccoon or works of Banksy… These figures, with different meanings, have recently appeared in Ukraine.”The use of symbols has been extremely present since the beginning of the Russian invasion», recalls Alexandra Gouzhon, a lecturer at the University of Burgundy and a specialist in Ukraine, who adds that “The main symbol remains the flag of Ukraine and its blue and yellow colors».

A watermelon with an identity

The watermelons came after Russian forces withdrew from Kherson, a major watermelon producer, on Wednesday, November 9. According to information reported by TF1, a kilogram of this fruit, which Ukrainians love, before the conflict cost about 5 UAH, the Ukrainian currency, or 0.17 euro cents. Today it will cost about one euro.

The liberation of Kherson is consistent with the possible resumption of watermelon exports, it has become a symbol of Ukraine’s counter-offensive in this region of the country. “This watermelon values ​​regional identity and through it Ukraine has reclaimed the region“, says Alexandra Goujon.

During his surprise visit to Kherson on Monday, November 14, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky sarcastically justified his visit “craving for watermelon». “All the same, the watermelon didn’t get any political contentrefrains Anna Colleen Lebedev, a lecturer at the University of Nanterre in Paris and a specialist in post-Soviet societies. For me, there is no re-appropriation at this level, it is just a way for Vladimir Zelensky to talk about this area.».

Ukrainian institutions have also adopted this symbol, for example, the national postal company. He issued stamps with a watermelon and the words “Kherson is Ukraine» appeared. “I think it shows that there is common sense in what is happening in the country», adds Anna Kolin Lebedev.

Also, the raccoon removed from Kherson Zoo by Russian forces has become a national emblem. According to the Washington Post, Oleg Zubkov, the owner of the Crimean zoo, is responsible for the theft. According to the American daily, the Russians took a total of seven raccoons, two she-wolves, a peacock, a llama and a donkey from Kherson Zoo, citing that “temporary evacuation».

“The raccoon symbolizes the looting of Kherson by Moscow“says Alexandra Arkhipova, a researcher at the University of Bremen and a specialist in Russian folklore. By: Ministry of Defense of UkraineRussia is also said to have stolen paintings and antiquities from Kherson. “Some anti-war Russians also use this raccoon to mock the Russian military. This story became an example of their senseless looting», Alexandra Arkhipova also claims. “It exists to show that the Russian occupier is completely inhuman», adds Alexandra Goujon.

Banksy is an international symbol

This time it is not coming directly from the Ukrainians. This Friday, British artist Banksy admitted that he created the work in Borodyanka, a town that has been hit hard by the fighting. It represents a gymnast in balance. “It is a symbol of our steadfast resistance“A 32-year-old Ukrainian, Oleksiy Savochka, who gave an interview to AFP, responded.

“We must distinguish Banksy from a watermelon and a raccoon. claims Anna Kolin Lebedev. This is something produced by an international artist outside of the war». For the researcher, this work painted on the rubble of a building conveys “everything that Ukrainians have lostsince the start of the war last February.

Since then, the famous artist has endorsed the specialty magazine The Art newspaperlagging behind seven other achievements across the country, including Kyiv. “Ukrainians are proud that a famous cartoonist comes to draw in their house», Alexandra Gouzhon concludes.