The claim

A Ukrainian flag that Zelensky gave to members of the US Congress is said to contain Nazi symbols.

Our conclusion

In its fact check, the AFP found out by enlarging the image that there was no "SS" symbol on the flag, but the number "46", which stands for the 46th Ukrainian air assault brigade.

In one photo, Volodomyr Zelensky is seen standing in front of a flag held by American Vice President Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi. There are numerous signatures and messages from Ukrainian soldiers on the flag. On the image, red arrows and a red border direct the focus to a specific location. It is claimed that SS runes are depicted there. According to various posts on social platforms, Zelenskyj handed over a flag with Nazi symbols to the Americans.

Signatures and messages on the Ukrainian flag

In its fact check, the AFP enlarged and deciphered the area in the box, including the associated text, and came to this conclusion: 

___STEADY_PAYWALL___

“The text written in black pen reads: “46 ДШВ” and underneath “Завжди г… “. (The word cannot be read in its entirety due to the folds in the flag), “Бумер” and an element that appears to be a signature.

The abbreviation “ДШВ” means Десантно-штурмових військ (air assault brigades). The 46th Separate Air Assault Brigade is a brigade of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces. The inscription Завжди готові ! (Always ready!) is the slogan of unity.”

AFP
MIMIKAMA
Telegram screenshot of claim: January 20, 2023

Zelensky said the soldiers he visited on the front line in the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine the day before his departure had given him the flag as a gift for the US Congress. Among the signatures was that of a commander of the 46th Air Assault Brigade, which, according to an article in Forbes , is also involved in the fighting in Bakhmut.

Conclusion

Rating: FALSE

In its fact check, the AFP found out by enlarging the image that there is no "SS" symbol on the flag, but the number "46", which stands for the 46th Ukrainian air assault brigade.

The accusation that Ukrainians are supporters of Nazi ideology is repeatedly heard in various portals. According to the AFP, these probably come from Russian rhetoric, which constantly talks about “demilitarization” and “denazification”. However, as this fact check shows, no facts can be found to support these claims.  

Source:

AFP , Forbes
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