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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stirred up strong reactions from Moscow after wearing a T-shirt with the bold slogan, "Make Russia small again," during his nightly address on Wednesday. The slogan, an apparent nod to Ukraine’s recent military advances, especially around the Russian region of Kursk, drew a quick and fierce response from Russia’s foreign ministry, with spokesperson Maria Zakharova calling Zelenskyy a “bloody jerk” and questioning the meaning of "small," referencing historical empires.
Kyivan Rus, a medieval state encompassing modern-day Ukraine, Belarus, and parts of Russia, has long been a symbol of Russian heritage, which Moscow claims as exclusively its own, a point of dispute heightened by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The T-shirt’s slogan was also seen as a clever reference to former President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, though it’s uncertain how Trump or his supporters might respond. Trump has previously criticized Zelenskyy, calling him “the greatest salesman on earth” and suggesting he has misled the U.S. into extensive support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy, well-known for his informal wartime wardrobe, has used this look to galvanize international support, drawing in military aid and funding. The “Make Russia small again” shirt quickly gained popularity, with copycat versions already appearing online.
Russian MFA Spox #Zakharova: Small as what? The USSR? The Russian Empire?
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) October 23, 2024
Oh, I got it! As the Kievan Rus. For that we need Kiev. You said it yourself, bloody jerk. pic.twitter.com/r8EWz5t7XP
[Source: Business Insider]
