Ukrainian patriotism is not “nationalism”

I’m thoroughly disgusted by western journalists and observers who are belittling Ukrainian patriotism, and dismissing it as “nationalism” (by which they mean chauvinism, xenophobia, etc.). Those jerks don’t know what it means to have their country’s very existence threatened.

Ukrainians carrying Ukrainian flags and who care about Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty aren’t “nationalist”, but people whose families have, for generations, lived and breathed occupation, oppression, genocide, destruction. They cherish their freedom and want to keep it.

Snarky Russocentrists and Russophiles who try to diminish Ukraine’s national identity and existence in such an ugly manner should be forced to live in the shoes of the generation of my parents, grandparents, great grandparents, etc..

Live persecution for ethnicity and identity. Then talk.