A viral video depicted a one-on-one fight that broke out at an international conference when a Russian delegate seized a flag from a Ukrainian politician.
The incident occurred Thursday at the 61st Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Community in the Turkish Capital of Ankara.
Oleksandr Marikovskyi, a Ukrainian, was seen holding his nation’s flag when the unnamed Russian representative arrived, tore it, and then began to leave, the video indicated.
He was pursued by the MP, who punched him repeatedly. Other officials intercepted him, but not before he snatched the flag back.
His Facebook post of the incident included the Ukrainian phrase “Paws away from our flag.”
The incident occurred a day after Russian officials alleged that Ukraine attempted to assassinate President Vladimir Putin by attacking the Kremlin with a drone. Ukraine, however, rejected the allegations.
Since its founding more than 30 years ago, the Black Sea Economic Community has included Russia and Ukraine as members. “Working towards peace, stability, and prosperity in the Black Sea region” is its goal.
