This Russian holiday, held annually on May 9, marks the end of World War II in Europe, but the day, and its symbols like the St. George's ribbon worn by Rybus, are viewed by many as emblems of Russian nationalism and aggression.
This event, as shared by Rubin Kazan on social media, shows Rybus and his team honoring the soldiers of the Great Patriotic War, a term used in Russia to describe their part in World War II. The act has led to a storm of criticism, with online comments and sports figures labeling Rybus a "Soviet patriot" and expressing dismay at his actions.
Rybus's choice to remain in Russia despite the war in Ukraine and to engage in Russian patriotic events has notably distanced him from the Polish national team. He last played for Poland in November 2021 and was informed by the Polish Football Association in June 2022 that his club situation would prevent future call-ups, including the 2023 squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
Russia has a history of using sports as a propaganda vehicle, from the Soviet times to the present day. As a result of being banned this year from participating in the Summer Olympics as a nation state, following its invasion of Ukraine, it is planning to host a "Friendship Games" as an alternative to the Paris Games in September. In 1984, the Soviet Union ran a much-publicized but generally poorly attended Friendship Games following the boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics by the USSR and its satellite states.
(rt/jh)
Source: Polskie Radio 24