**European Court Backs Ukraine’s Ban on Pro-Russian Symbol**
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled in favor of Ukraine’s ban on the St. George ribbon, a symbol used by Russia to commemorate military victories.
The ECHR rejected a complaint from a Ukrainian citizen who claimed the ban was discriminatory. The court said that while the ban did limit freedom of expression, it was justified given the shift in the ribbon’s meaning since 2014. Since then, it has been associated with Russian aggression and not just a World War II remembrance.
**A Symbol of Russian Aggression**
In Ukraine, the St. George ribbon is no longer seen as a symbol of unity but rather a reminder of Russia’s military actions. The ECHR agreed that banning its use was within Ukraine’s rights to address challenges from the conflict with Russia.
Other European countries have also banned the St. George ribbon, citing concerns over Russian aggression. For example, Moldova has prohibited the ribbon along with other symbols used to justify or glorify military aggression or crimes against humanity.
**Russia Sees It Differently**
In contrast, Russia sees the St. George ribbon as a symbol of its own military power and glory. The Russian parliament passed a law in 2022 declaring it a national symbol, further cementing its association with Russian might rather than World War II remembrance.
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