Current Issue of Crux Australis: Issue No. 142

The most recent issue of Crux Australis is No. 142 [Volume 35/2] issued for the period April - June 2022.

The contents are:

SUMMARY 

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022 in what it euphemistically described as a “special military operation”. It was an unprovoked extension of a conflict that began in 2014 with Russia supporting separatists in two break-away areas in eastern Ukraine and it seized control of Crimea and annexed it.  Resistance by the Ukrainian military has been fierce and effective in the face of larger troop numbers, tanks, artillery and missiles, pushing back the initial invasion force near the capital Kyiv and northern Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has gained worldwide recognition as the war-time leader using social media which has resulted in international support in the form of economic sanctions against Russia and the supply of essential military equipment.

The Ukrainian flag, with its simple design, has been central to the representation internationally of Ukraine’s sovereignty and defiance against Russia. It is displayed prominently in Zelensky’s broadcasts and numerous meetings with foreign leaders. The first article provides a detailed timeline of the history of Ukraine, particularly after independence was restored in 1991 with the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Ukraine has experienced turbulence in both domestic politics and relations with Russia, as detailed in the timeline sourced from Reuters.

While a national flag is the primary symbol of a nation, Ukraine’s coat of arms and other emblems also represent national identity.  The Tryzub (trident) symbol was adopted by Ukraine in 1918 in the lesser and greater coats of arms.  The design has origins as early as 980 when it was used by a Kievan Rus ruler.  The blue and yellow flag was first displayed in Lviv in 1848, and adopted for the brief period of independence 1918 – 1920.  Another article describes other flags used by World War II partisans and the Azov Regiment, a right-wing paramilitary militia with controversial insignia.

Other articles in this issue mostly reproduce various media articles and some Facebook posts.  These cover a range of current themes including the revised Aboriginal copyright arrangements, the use of the Australian red ensign by anti-vax protestors, the Kanaky vote that rejected independence, another attempt at a national brand logo for Australia and new flag designs for two United States cities.

Commentary by Ralph Kelly

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