How sunflowers became a symbol of Ukraine’s resistance amid Russia’s invasion
- A viral video appears to show a Ukrainian woman telling Russian soldiers to put seeds in their pockets so flowers will grow when they die in her country
- Protesters are carrying bouquets of Ukraine’s national flower or wearing it at rallies, while others are displaying sunflower emojis to show support online
Sunflowers have taken on a new, defiant meaning as Ukraine continues to fight against Russia’s invasion.
Sunflowers were already Ukraine’s national flower, but they emerged as a symbol of resistance after a widely shared video clip appeared to show a Ukrainian woman berating Russian soldiers, telling them to put sunflower seeds in their pockets so that flowers would grow after they died in battle.
The video, posted to Twitter by the news site UkraineWorld on Thursday, has been viewed over 8 million times.
“Take these seeds so sunflowers grow when you die here,” the woman says to Russian soldiers, according to the BBC’s translation.
“OK. This conversation won’t lead to anything. Let’s not make things worse,” a Russian soldier says.
The woman continues, “Guys, put these seeds into your pockets. Take these seeds. You will die here with them. You’ve come to my land … Do you understand? You’re occupiers. You’re enemies. And from now on, you’re cursed.”
John Oliver featured the viral clip on Sunday’s episode of Last Week Tonight.
“Good for her! Good for her!” Oliver said. “Let’s just recognise for a second how ice cold that insult is. ‘Take these seeds and put them in your pocket so sunflowers will grow when you die.’ […] That woman brought seeds to a gunfight and still comfortably won.”
Song of defiance: Ukraine’s national anthem heard around the globe
Protesters around the world have been photographed holding bouquets or wearing the flowers at rallies in support of Ukraine.
Activists such as David Hogg are also adding sunflower emojis in their Twitter bios.
In the UK, London’s Russian embassy was covered in graffiti, signs, and sunflower drawings.
03:20
As thousands flee, one Ukrainian woman heads back to fight against Russian invasion
Citing Ukraine’s interior ministry, Associated Press reported on Sunday that 352 Ukrainians have died during Russia’s invasion of the country.
The death count includes 14 children.
The ministry said an additional 1,684 people – including 116 children – were wounded.
Delegations from Russia and Ukraine met for talks in Belarus on Monday.
