Ukraine's 'Unity Day' Display Of Patriotism Had Disappointing Small Crowds

Daily Mail: Defiant Ukrainians sing and wave flags on their 'Unity Day' even as threat of Russian invasion hangs over them, writes IAN BIRRELL

* Ukraine celebrated the hastily-declared Unity Day yesterday with passionate words from the president

* Patriotic events took place across land and more than 50 MPs singing the national anthem outside parliament

* Marks day Western intelligence had warned might be chosen by the Kremlin to launch an invasion of country

Ukraine celebrated the hastily-declared Unity Day yesterday with passionate words from the president, patriotic events across the land and more than 50 MPs singing the national anthem outside parliament in defiance of the Russian troops massed at their border.

President Volodymyr Zelensky demanded the combative display of patriotism late on Monday to mark the day that Western intelligence had warned might be chosen by the Kremlin to launch an invasion of his country.

Yet the response was muted from his beleaguered fellow citizens – who woke up fearing the worst, waved a few flags and carried on with their lives, trapped wearily in the midst of a destructive geo-political struggle that has gripped them for years.

Read more ....

Update #1: Lots of flags but little enthusiasm for Ukraine’s ‘Unity Day’ (Al Jazeera)

Update #2: Ukraine's Unity Day more of a collective shrug in a weary nation (Washington Post)

WNU Editor: I know in Kharkiv they were expecting thousands to show up .... but it was only a few dozen. Kyiv had more people, but most who showed up at the stadium work for the government and were told to attend.

My cousin showed up for the stadium event in Kyiv. She supported President Zelensky when he ran for Presidency, and still prefers him over his opponents. But she just told me right now that this event was a disappointment. The crowd was depressingly small, and there is a growing dread that they have already lost.

Even the Washington Post in its latest post is noticing how weary everyone is.

I am surprised that I am hearing this. This is not the Ukraine that I know. The people of Ukraine need to get their act together. If not, Putin will see this as weakness and an opportunity, and he will definitely take advantage of it.

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