Ukrainian Flag Display at Max Korzh Concert in Warsaw Ignites Debate

WARSAW, Poland – A recent concert by Belarusian singer Max Korzh in Warsaw has sparked considerable online debate following a video that captured attendees displaying a large Ukrainian flag with the inscription "FREE AZOV DEFENDERS." The vertical video, uploaded by user "helenalisovska," shows a packed stadium with an energetic crowd, where two shirtless men are seen on the shoulders of others, holding the blue and yellow flag. The video, which quickly garnered over 200,000 views, drew a strong and divided reaction in the comments section. Many users expressed support for Ukraine, with one comment stating, "🇵🇱 😻 🇺🇦 ja kocham Ukrainę !!" However, a significant portion of the comments criticized the display, particularly noting the alleged presence of a red-and-black flag, which some associate with controversial historical figures. One user remarked, "co robi u góry banderowska flaga w Polsce te symbole są ZAKAZANE!!!!!!!", while another commented, "соромно за вас люди гинуть на війні а ви що робите у чужій країні 😡😡😡😡😡😡". The author of the video later posted a comment acknowledging the controversy: "При додаванні відео я не помітила червоно-чорний прапор на задньому плані — так буває. Вибачте, якщо це когось образило. Для багатьох українців це символ боротьби за незалежність і патріотизму." (When adding the video, I did not notice the red-and-black flag in the background — it happens. I apologize if it offended anyone. For many Ukrainians, it is a symbol of the struggle for independence and patriotism.) The incident highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding national symbols and the war in Ukraine within the broader European context.