Ivan Syrsky has taken part in a pro-Russian event in Australia
General Aleksandr Syrsky is the commander in chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, but his stepson Ivan has endorsed Russia. The younger Syrsky was filmed wearing a “Z” t-shirt on Tuesday at the Russian consulate in Sydney.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky appointed Syrsky earlier this month as the replacement for General Valery Zaluzhny, with whom he has had political disagreements. While Zaluzhny has enjoyed considerable popularity in the ranks, Syrsky is less liked – and less likely to be seen as a rival to Zelensky, according to several Ukrainian outlets.
“Glory to Russia,” Ivan declared, while wearing a cossack cap and a shirt with the letter Z – a symbol associated with the Russian side in the Ukraine conflict. He also urged Russia to better “filter” for “traitors,” in what has been interpreted as a dig at his stepfather.
The event was organized by Simeon ‘Aussie Cossack’ Boikov, a Sydney-born activist who recently received Russian citizenship citing his persecution by Australian authorities. He told Syrsky that the Cossacks will “protect him” from any pro-Ukrainian attacks.
⚡️BREAKING: The stepson of Ukraine's top General Syrsky has just visited the Russian Consulate in Sydney to say "Glory to Russia".
🤣Next level trolling. pic.twitter.com/C7Sl7vC7RJ
— Aussie Cossack (@aussiecossack) February 20, 2024