Russia’s national flag has been taken down at the Richmond Olympic Oval this afternoon following that country’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian flag represented the country, which collected medals at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie told the Richmond News that the flag had been there for quite a long time, but it was recently brought to their attention.
The flag was removed this afternoon after Brodie talked to the staff at the Oval on Monday afternoon.
According to a statement from the Oval, the City reserves the right to decide whether or not to fly the flag of the nation when there is political unrest or conflict in that nation.”
“In accordance with that policy, the Russian flag is no longer being flown at the Richmond Olympic Oval,” read the statement.
Meanwhile, Brodie said they would also discuss a motion at Monday’s council meeting about whether a Ukrainian flag will be raised at Richmond City Hall to support that country.
“We have a flag policy which doesn’t permit it, but every policy can be changed by the council. Of course, this is a very extreme situation. The motion has been brought on to support people of Ukraine, whether they live here or anywhere else,” said Brodie.
He added that he expects the motion will gain full support from city councillors.
This is the latest move among several local and international responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
B.C. has joined numerous provinces across the country in pulling Russian products from the shelves of government liquor stores amid escalating violence in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a ban on crude oil imports from Russia, an industry that has benefited Vladimir Putin and his oligarchs.
