Russian Community Centre members say vandalism ‘feels backwards’

Members of Vancouver’s Russian Community Centre and passersby, were faced with an unfortunate sight Saturday morning after the centre was vandalized with blue and yellow paint.

With the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, many communities are protesting and acting in solidarity with Ukraine. However, Natasha, a member of the board at the Kitsilano Russian Community Centre says she was born in Ukraine, and she and the Russian community do not support Putin’s actions.

“It is hatred, you think in Canada you are safe… We are not supporting Putin, the Russian community was created by people who ran away from the Soviet regime,” said Natasha.

Board of directors comforting one another, a few of these board members born in Ukraine…..”It just feels so backwards.” – Natasha, pic.twitter.com/GQEB3DrXyS

— Michael Williams (@MikeWillsTake) March 5, 2022

Since Russia began sending troops into Ukraine and heavily bombing the nation, protests and actions in solidarity with the country have sprouted across the globe. And although many Russians are against the Kremlin’s invasion, Natasha says the vandalism “feels backwards.”

In response to the paint splatter, members of the board gathered to assess the damage and call police.

Additionally, the Russian members were overhead saying “Slava Ukraini” to one another, the Ukrainian national salute meaning “glory to Ukraine,” also known as a symbol of sovereignty and resistance.

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Some bystanders say the act of vandalism is “sending the wrong message” since Russian people are not at fault for the war. Rather, President Vladimir Putin and his right-hand, top ranked generals are the ones responsible for escalating the conflict.

“This makes me feel sad this is the local the response. I support Ukraine but this is not an appropriate response,” said one bystander.

VPD says the vandalism likely occurred overnight, and no arrests have been made so far.

– With files from Michael Williams