After the Russian withdrawal, the Ukrainians continue to advance towards the regional capital Kherson in the south of their country – and with them a very special symbol of victory: the watermelon. Videos circulated on social networks over the weekend showing a Ukrainian soldier holding one of the large, round fruits and being euphorically cheered by a crowd. A photo with a Ukrainian flag atop a giant melon statue was also widely shared.
The background is as follows: The Kherson region with its warm summers is known for particularly tasty watermelons. The fact that the popular fruit fell into the hands of the Russian occupier last season also hurt the Ukrainians financially, because it is an important trade product.
Watermelon as a victory over the Russian occupiers
After successful Ukrainian counter-offensives, Russian forces gave up all places northwest of the Dnipro River last week. The Russians still control much of Kherson, which lies on the other side of the river. But for the Ukrainians, the victory over the regional capital of the same name is symbolic of the reconquest of the entire region – including the melon fields.
Even high-ranking politicians such as the head of Ukraine’s presidential office in Kiev, Andriy Yermak, are now adding melon emojis to their communications about Kherson. Several Ukrainian companies also quickly integrated the melon into their company logos. And the Ukrainian post office announced the printing of a special stamp on the occasion of the Kherson victory – with a slice of watermelon as the motif, of course. (SDA/chs)