Law enforcement officers confiscated a ribbon wreath bearing a slogan linked to Ukrainian nationalists from a resident of Veliky Novgorod, according to RIA News citing the regional Ministry of Internal Affairs. The incident drew immediate attention on social media and sparked discussions about public sentiment and safety around national symbols during the holiday period.
During the New Year celebration, residents in Veliky Novgorod reported finding a sign on the balcony of an apartment bearing the phrase Glorious Ukraine. The wreath itself appeared to carry the inscription, associated with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, an organization that is banned in Russia. A video showing the wreath circulated in a local VK group titled Emergency 53 Veliky Novgorod News, which amplified the controversy and provoked a wave of public response.
The authorities confirmed that the wreath was seized and that a protocol was filed under Article 20.3.3 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses, which covers public actions aimed at discrediting the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. This move was described as part of routine measures following the public display of symbols tied to controversial movements during a sensitive period.
The owner of the wreath claimed that the garland was purchased from AliExpress and that the ribbon originally carried the words Happy New Year. He noted that the writing on the band did not reflect his own intent and said he was not aware of the political slogan before the incident came to light. This account contrasted with the visible inscription, which had already attracted official attention and public scrutiny.
In related developments, a high-profile case involving a prominent religious figure from Kuban has been reported, where an archbishop who authored an anti-war article faced legal action. The broader context includes ongoing investigations related to public expressions and the handling of political content in public spaces during moments of national significance.
Earlier reports described actions by security services during arrests connected to demonstrations and branding exercises. For example, there were accounts of a Crimean national being compelled to apologize on camera, followed by a separate criminal inquiry after narcotics were discovered. These details illustrate the wider pattern of enforcement activities tied to political expressions and the balancing of public safety with freedom of expression in the current climate.
Additional headlines from other regions referenced incidents where law enforcement and prosecutors investigated or coordinated responses to conflicts involving public displays of political or semi-political material. These reports collectively underscore the tension in several areas between expressions tied to geopolitical issues and the legal frameworks that govern public demonstrations and symbolic displays in Russia. Attribution: information drawn from regional law enforcement press releases and news coverage; further confirmation can be obtained through official channels.