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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been criticized for recording a video supporting Ukraine while almost completely covering the Australian flag.
In the message, Albanese expressed Australia’s condolences for the Ukrainian lives lost during the conflict on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion on Saturday.
The Prime Minister delivered the message directly in front of the Australian flag, while the Indigenous and Torres Islander flags were flown on either side.
While the flags were placed correctly in accordance with national flag protocols, Albanese received criticism for not clearly displaying the flag of the nation he represents.
Among those who criticized the video was 2GB presenter Ben Fordham, who said it looked like a “game of hide-and-seek with the Australian flag”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been criticized for almost completely covering the Australian flag during an international message of support for Ukraine (pictured)
“Someone in the prime minister’s office needs to remember that he is the Australian prime minister and when he delivers international messages we don’t need all the other flags,” he said on Monday.
‘I’m not suggesting you need six, seven or eight flags, Albo, but at least display one that clearly shows the country you are representing.
“I know it’s not the biggest problem in the world, but when you record an international video message that’s seen around the world, can you let people know where it’s coming from?”
Social media users joined the crowd condemning the prime minister.
‘This is an absolute disgrace, the Australian flag should be front and center at every press conference I give!’ one wrote.
A second added: “Shameful.”
“A total disgrace to Australia and all Australians,” said a third.
In the video, the Prime Minister honors the “immense courage of the Ukrainian people” during the two-year conflict that has killed some 70,000 Ukrainians, of whom 31,000 were soldiers.
Albanese took aim at Russian forces and condemned the “brutal large-scale invasion and relentless attacks, including against civilians and infrastructure.”
“Australia is supporting Ukraine with $960 million in military and humanitarian assistance,” he said.
“Australia stands in solidarity with our international partners and the people of Ukraine.”
Albanese concluded the message by proclaiming “slava Ukraini,” a song meaning “glory to Ukraine.”
Fordham told listeners on Monday that the Prime Minister needed to take more pride in the National Flag during an internationally viewed address.
The video was released on the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine, and Albanese (pictured with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy) sends his condolences on behalf of Australians.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton also appeared in the video, but with the Australian and Ukrainian flags hanging on either side (pictured).
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s message also appeared in the video, but with an Australian and Ukrainian flag behind each shoulder without the indigenous or straight Torres Islander flags.
“On February 24, 2022, the Ukrainians made a decision, not a white flag but a blue and yellow flag,” Dutton said.
“It is not enough to say that we support Ukraine with our words, we must show that we support Ukraine with our deeds.”
In the run-up to the second anniversary of the war, the Albanian government announced that it would send an additional $50 million to Ukraine to purchase weapons.
Responding to a post on Albanese’s X honoring Ukraine’s war efforts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the prime minister for Australia’s support during the conflict.
“We value our partnership with Australia and all its help since the outbreak of a full-scale war,” President Zelenskyy wrote.
“We are grateful to have found in Australia such a close and committed friend, with whom geographical distance does not matter.”