In Kherson, Zelensky gifted an "icon" of the Theotokos on a flatfish

An "icon" of the Mother of God on a dried flounder carcass. Photo: a screenshot of Zelensky's TG channel

On 29 November 2023, Volodymyr Zelensky during his stay in Kherson was presented with an "icon" of the Virgin Mary, drawn on the carcass of a dried flounder. A video of the event was published on Zelensky's Telegram channel.

In the footage from the bomb shelter, a woman in a robe and gloves hands the President a transparent case with a fish hanging from a string.

"The icon is very thoughtful, but it can be a symbol of defiance," the giver said to the Head of state, who accepted the gift favourably.

Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson RMA, told Zelensky that icons on fish are an ancient Chumak tradition.

The "icon" presented to the President was exhibited in October at the Kherson Museum of Local Lore and most likely belongs to the artist Oksana Osnach.

As earlier reported, Zelensky presented the Pope with an "icon" with a void instead of the Baby Jesus.

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