People in a Welsh village have reacted with shock after a number of flags put up in a show of solidarity with Ukraine were torn down by vandals - with one being replaced by a note accusing locals of sympathising with Nazi ideals.
The disturbing incidents happened over the weekend in the small rural village of Hermon in Pembrokeshire, some ten miles south of the town of Cardigan. Just last week, around 70 Ukrainian flags were given to local residents in exchange for a donation.
It was an idea set up locally in order to raise funds for humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine, who continue to endure an ongoing conflict brought upon them by Vladimir Putin’s Russia over a month ago. Thousands of Ukrainians are believed to have died in the war so far, with support - financial, political, and emotional - being provided from people in different countries all over Europe and the rest of the world. To get the latest WalesOnline newsletters emailed to you directly for free, click here.
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At the beginning of the conflict, Russian President Putin said that his aims across the border in Ukraine were to “de-Nazify” the government in Kyiv, despite the fact the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish. The claim has been heavily disputed as an attempt to justify Putin's invasion of a neighbouring country. However, someone, or some people, it would appear, seem to believe in his theory.
Over the weekend, many of the flags purchased in the village of Hermon were torn down. A note was also left bearing the words ‘Nazi sympathiser’. The fundraising which led to the flags being sold to villagers and put up outside homes was co-ordinated by Cris Tomos, local resident and county councillor for the area. He said those living in the village were appalled by what has happened.
“I was truly shocked that someone would hold such strong feelings about our efforts to donate money for medical and humanitarian supplies to people living through the horrors of the war in Ukraine,” said Mr Tomos. “To then leave a note suggesting that we support Nazi regimes is very disappointing - our fundraising campaign is totally non-political.”
Mr Tomos added that the vandalism had been reported, and that anyone with any information regarding the perpetrator or perpetrators should contact the police.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: "Dyfed-Powys Police is appealing for witnesses after a number of Ukrainian flags were stolen from properties in Hermon, Pembrokeshire, in the early hours of Sunday, 27th March 2022.
"Three flags are believed to have been stolen, one of which was replaced with a note containing racist language.
"Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Quote reference: DPP/1346/28/03/2022/02/C. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org."
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