“Was there a boy?”: Organizers of the rally in Kyiv reject accusations of a “Nazi salute,” Ukrainian authorities remain silent: what happened on June 21 at Maidan and why it is important for Ukraine and Israel

On June 21, 2026, the center of Kyiv became the site of several public events that later became the focus of an international information dispute.

On Independence Square and nearby, the KyivPride March, Tradition March, and March for the Protection of Family, Children, and Ukraine took place. The police were on site, security measures were strengthened in the center of the Ukrainian capital, and later Kyiv police reported that the mass events ended “without gross violations of public order.”

A few days later, on June 24, 2026, the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine issued a statement. In it, the diplomatic mission claimed that on June 21, an event by the “Brotherhood” took place on Independence Square in Kyiv, during which participants allegedly shouted “Nazi salute” and demonstrated a “Nazi salute.”

The organizers and participants of the event rejected these accusations.

This is where the main question begins: what happened in Kyiv on June 21 — a proven episode with a Nazi salute, a mistaken interpretation of gestures, a conflict of statements, or an information story that, without verification, could work against Ukraine and benefit Russian propaganda?

One of the available videos:

“Was there a boy?”: accusations of a “Nazi salute” are rejected by the organizers of the event in Kyiv, Ukrainian authorities remain silent: what happened on June 21 on the Maidan and why it is important for Ukraine and Israelhttps://t.co/NqBKkAB8Bb pic.twitter.com/hf6wk5KbGv

— NAnews – Nikk.Agency Israel Ukraine News (@AgencyNikk) June 27, 2026

What happened in Kyiv on June 21

On June 21, several parallel events took place in the center of the Ukrainian capital.

On one hand, the KyivPride March took place in Kyiv. On the other hand, events of its opponents were held nearby, among which the media and participant reports mentioned the Tradition March and the March for the Protection of Family, Children, and Ukraine. (we will not comment on who was right or wrong here – this is not the topic of this material.)

This is important for understanding the whole story. The Embassy of Israel in its statement called the event an action by the “Brotherhood”. However, the organizers claim that there was no separate “Brotherhood” event on the Maidan, and different events were held in the center of Kyiv, where representatives of different groups could be present.

Thus, the dispute began not only around the gesture.

The parties already differ at the level of describing the event itself: was it a “Brotherhood” event or a broader counteraction involving different organizations and groups.

In open photos and videos from the scene, participants in black clothing and masks, children with posters, flags of right-wing and traditionalist groups, as well as slogans like “Traditional families — strong Ukraine”, “Family values unite generations”, “God’s order”, others are visible.

Such a visual context shows that the event was ideologically colored and could provoke public debate.

But by itself, it does not yet prove the presence of a Nazi salute or Nazi greeting.

What the Embassy of Israel stated

On June 24, 2026, the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine issued a statement linking the events of June 21 on Independence Square with the “Brotherhood”.

The wording was harsh: according to the embassy, participants in the event shouted “Nazi salute and demonstrated a Nazi salute.”

For Israel, such topics are particularly sensitive. The memory of millions of victims of Nazism is not an abstract historical topic but part of the national and family experience of many Israelis. Therefore, the attention of the Embassy of Israel to possible Nazi gestures is understandable.

But there is another side to the issue.

In the public accounts of the Embassy of Israel, as far as can be seen from open materials, no photos, videos, timestamps, or other materials were attached to the statement that would allow readers to independently verify which specific episode was the basis for such an assessment.

This does not mean that the embassy does not have such materials.

But it means that in the public domain, no evidence base was published, only a statement.

When it comes to the words “Nazi salute” and “Nazi greeting” regarding an event in Kyiv during the war, the absence of publicly presented evidence becomes an important factor.

“We hope for a prompt response from the law enforcement agencies of Ukraine in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine”

It is also not specifically stated – Did the embassy transmit materials to Ukrainian law enforcement? – there is no public confirmation there, and in subsequent official embassy messages, there is also none.

Such formulations are instantly picked up not only by Ukrainian and Israeli media but also by Russian propaganda.

Organizers state: there was no Nazi salute

After the statement of the Embassy of Israel, people associated with the organization or participation in the events of June 21 publicly expressed their position.

Further in the article are quotes from the organizers’ statements – translations from the original language – Ukrainian.

They claim that there was no demonstration of a Nazi salute on the Maidan.

Their key argument is that the embassy incorrectly defined the nature of the event and linked what happened with the “Brotherhood” as a separate event, although, according to the organizers, several different events were held in the center of Kyiv.

Ruslan Kukharchuk: who he is and what he stated

Ruslan Kukharchuk is a Ukrainian journalist, media manager, and public figure associated with the movement “All Together!”. In this story, he acts as one of the public representatives and co-organizers of the “March for the Protection of Family, Children, and Ukraine”.

Kukharchuk stated on June 25, 2026, that the information about the “Nazi salute” “does not correspond to reality.”

“Unlike the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine, I was on the Maidan on June 21 and saw everything that happened there with my own eyes.”

According to his version, there was no separate “Brotherhood” event on the Maidan on June 21. Different events were held there, and representatives of the “Brotherhood,” as he claims, were only one of the groups among other participants.

In other words, Kukharchuk disputes not only the accusation of gestures but also the very wording of the Embassy of Israel that it was specifically a “Brotherhood” event.

“On June 21, there were no “Brotherhood” events on Independence Square. Two events were held there – the March for the Protection of Family, Children, and Ukraine and the Tradition March.”

“Dozens of different organizations, communities, and thousands of people participated in these events. Among them was a group of men and women from the “Brotherhood.” They joined the civic column – which is the “March for the Protection of Family, Children, and Ukraine.””

For the article, this is crucial: one side talks about a “Brotherhood” event, the other about several parallel events and the presence of different groups.

Commenting on the statement of the Embassy of Israel, he wrote that “Nazi salute” is “what they call a gesture when the hand with a straightened palm is raised upwards to the sky at an angle of 45 degrees.”

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“As a co-organizer of the events on the Maidan on June 21, I am authorized to report that there was no case of raising a hand with a straightened palm at 45 degrees upwards to the sky. I … personally walked … and checked.”

And concluded:

“I urge the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine to identify the individuals in their office who brought this lie to the table and take disciplinary measures against them. I also urge the mentioned embassy to refute the spread lies and apologize to the Ukrainian state for attempting to discredit it. Instead, supporting good diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Israel meets the mutual interests of both states.”

Dmytro Korchynsky: who he is and what he wrote

Dmytro Korchynsky is a Ukrainian political and public figure, founder and publicly associated with the “Brotherhood” leader.

His reaction is important precisely because the statement of the Embassy of Israel specifically mentioned the “Brotherhood.”

Korchynsky stated on June 25, 2026 that he was on the Maidan on June 21 and “carefully observed what was happening” (the post is emotional – we only provide fragments related to the topic of the article).

He admitted that he saw among representatives of other organizations several people from the “Brotherhood,” but rejected the claim of a “Nazi salute.”

“On June 21, I was present on the Maidan and scrutinized everything that was happening there. I did notice among representatives of other organizations a few people from the Brotherhood. There was no representative of the Israeli embassy there… Therefore, their words about what happened on the square are their … fabrications.”

“The Brotherhood members shouted only two slogans: “Glory to Jesus Christ” and “Glory to Ukraine.” Apparently, the Israeli embassy considers both of these slogans as “Nazi.””

Korchynsky also claims that no one at the event demonstrated a “Nazi salute,” and gestures that could have been perceived otherwise, he explains by saying that “some participants were crossing themselves.”

Here it is important not to mix different things.

Korchynsky does not say that there were no people from the “Brotherhood” at all. He acknowledges the presence of several representatives of this environment but denies that it was a separate “Brotherhood” event and that anyone demonstrated a Nazi salute.

Therefore, his position can be accurately described as: Korchynsky, associated with the “Brotherhood,” rejected the “accusations” of the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine and acknowledged only the presence of several people from this environment among other participants.

“Therefore, their words (of the embassy – ed.) about what happened on the Maidan are their … fabrications.”

But his words, like the statement of any interested party, do not replace verification.

“I hope that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine understands: … the statement of the Israeli embassy is not directed against a few guys from the Brotherhood …, it is directed against Ukraine, it is intended to help Moscow’s propaganda about “Nazism” in Ukraine.”

And here is another statement of his, with which many in Israel agree:

“Despite the fact that Moscow has been providing assistance to Israel’s enemies for decades – Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran – Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly stated his friendly relations with Putin. In general, the Israeli government is more oriented towards cooperation with Moscow than with Kyiv.”

Also (with omissions, but the meaning is conveyed accurately):

“The Brotherhood has always opposed pro-Palestinian actions (in Europe – ed.), always supported military … (actions)… of the Israel Defense Forces in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, strikes on Iranian … military targets. It is unfortunate that now Israel has one less friend in Ukraine. It is a pity that lies and ingratitude are the main political tools of the Israeli embassy.”

What is the “Brotherhood”

“Brotherhood” is a Ukrainian right-wing national-Christian political association, registered as a party and associated with Dmytro Korchynsky. In reference sources, the party is listed as created by Korchynsky and registered on August 5, 2004; the party card also states that its leader and founder is Dmytro Korchynsky, and its representation in the Verkhovna Rada is 0 out of 450 seats.

The organization itself describes itself not only as a party but as the “Party of Jesus Christ,” “National-Christian Network,” and “revolutionary Christian community.” On its website, it says that the “Brotherhood” is built around a religious community, liturgy, service to God, and a Christian understanding of public life.

Ideologically, the “Brotherhood” is usually attributed to the right or far-right sector of Ukrainian politics. In descriptions of the party, Ukrainian nationalism, anti-Russian stance, Christian nationalism, and revolutionary nationalism are mentioned. Therefore, it is more accurate to write not just “right-wing party”, but right-wing national-Christian activist party.

Politically, the “Brotherhood” has never been a major parliamentary force. The party has no faction in the Verkhovna Rada, and in open data on the party itself, it is listed with zero representation in parliament. This is an important detail: it is not a party with massive electoral influence, but a small ideological and activist environment around Korchynsky.

There is no exact public membership number for the “Brotherhood” in reliable open sources.

The organization does not appear to be a mass party with a transparent membership structure, regional cells, and regular electoral reporting. Rather, it should be described as a network of supporters, activists, and groups associated with Korchynsky that have appeared in street actions, media campaigns, and political conflicts over the years.

In the early history of the “Brotherhood,” actions from the early 2000s are mentioned. Materials about the party mention conflicts around the Central Election Commission in 2004, actions against George Soros, and after the Orange Revolution, temporary rapprochement with the Progressive Socialist Party of Natalia Vitrenko and protests against the new government’s course towards NATO, the USA, and the EU. Later, in 2017–2018, the “Brotherhood” participated in blocking the offices of NewsOne and ZIK TV channels, explaining this by the connection of these media with Viktor Medvedchuk.

The political demands of the “Brotherhood” have changed in emphasis over different periods, but several lines remain constant: Ukrainian nationalism, Christian rhetoric, anti-Russian stance, rejection of pro-Russian political projects, street activism, and the idea of strong political mobilization. After 2014 and especially after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the military and anti-Russian component in the public image of this environment has intensified.

It is important to distinguish between the political “Brotherhood” and the battalion “Brotherhood”. After the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, a volunteer unit with the same name appeared, which in open sources is described as part of the forces associated with the war against Russian aggression.

For the context of the article, this means the following: “Brotherhood” is not a parliamentary party and not a large electoral force, but a right-wing national-Christian activist environment around Dmytro Korchynsky. It has no representation in the Verkhovna Rada as a party, its membership is not publicly disclosed, and its political influence is primarily manifested through street actions, media statements, ideological campaigns, and the participation of representatives of this environment in military structures after the start of Russian aggression.

NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency views this story as a conflict of statements that requires verification, rather than a reason for general accusations against Ukraine.

Was the event declared or agreed with the authorities

A separate important question is how exactly the events of June 21 were formalized from the point of view of the Ukrainian authorities.

In the usual legal logic in Ukraine, it is not about “permission” for a peaceful assembly, but about advance notification of the authorities or local self-government. The Constitution of Ukraine speaks of the right of citizens to peacefully assemble without weapons and hold meetings, rallies, marches, and demonstrations, which are notified to the authorities or local self-government in advance.

But since 2022, Ukraine has been living under martial law. The Constitution allows for certain restrictions on rights and freedoms under martial or emergency law, and the Law on the Legal Regime of Martial Law provides that military command together with military administrations can prohibit the holding of peaceful assemblies, rallies, marches, demonstrations, and other mass events.

Therefore, to verify this story, it is important to establish not only who was in the video and what exactly happened.

It is important to understand, who officially notified or agreed on the holding of events on June 21 in the center of Kyiv.

Under what name was the event declared?

What route or venue was indicated?

Who was listed as the organizer?

Did the “Brotherhood” association appear in documents or communication with the authorities?

Were the Tradition March and March for the Protection of Family, Children, and Ukraine separately declared?

These questions are important not only formally.

If the event was declared as “March for the Protection of Family, Children, and Ukraine”, and not as a separate “Brotherhood” event, this raises questions about the wording of the Embassy of Israel. If the “Brotherhood” appeared in documents or communication with the authorities, this is another level of verification.

So far, there is no published document in open access that shows who exactly officially declared the event on June 21, under what name, and with what route.

This question should be addressed to the Kyiv City Military Administration, Kyiv police, and the event organizers.

What is visible in open materials

Open photos and videos confirm that on June 21 in the center of Kyiv (besides the KyivPride March) there were different groups of participants, including people in black clothing and masks, columns with flags, posters, and slogans of a traditionalist and anti-LGBT nature.

There is also a video being discussed, showing a hand movement: the participant first presses the right hand, clenched into a fist, to the left shoulder, and then straightens it forward at an angle of about 45 degrees.

Such gestures have already become the subject of international disputes.

In January 2025, Elon Musk after speaking at an event related to Donald Trump’s inauguration, made a movement where he placed his hand on the heart area and then extended it forward and upward. Some commentators and politicians saw in this a resemblance to a Nazi or Roman salute, while the Anti-Defamation League stated that it was an “awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm,” not a Nazi salute.

This example shows why context, intention, full video sequence, and official verification are important for assessing such movements, not just one frame.

After all, such a gesture can be perceived as resembling a stylized Nazi salute.

But for a journalistic and legal conclusion, this is not enough without answering several questions.

Who exactly is in the frame?

To which group do these people belong?

Where and when was the episode filmed?

Was it a single gesture or part of organized behavior?

Is there a full video without editing?

Is there sound that allows understanding what words were spoken at that moment?

Were these materials transmitted to Ukrainian law enforcement agencies?

Without these answers, the video may be an important reason for verification, but it should not automatically turn into an accusation against the entire event, the entire Maidan, all of Ukraine, or the Ukrainian state.

This is where the line between journalism and propaganda lies.

Journalism asks questions and checks facts.

Propaganda takes one frame, tears it out of context, and turns it into a label for an entire country.

What is confirmed, and what remains a version

At the moment, several facts can be confidently stated.

It is confirmed that several parallel events took place in the center of Kyiv on June 21.

It is confirmed that the Israeli Embassy on June 24 declared a “Nazi salute” and “Nazi greeting”, linking the episode with the “Brotherhood.”

It is confirmed that Dmytro Korchynsky and Ruslan Kukharchuk rejected these accusations.

It is confirmed that open materials show groups in black, masks, posters, flags, and traditionalist slogans.

But it is not publicly confirmed that the Israeli Embassy transmitted materials to Ukrainian law enforcement.

Photos or videos from the embassy itself have not been publicly released.

A public number for verification or production has not been established.

It is not publicly established who exactly is in the controversial video with the hand movement.

That is why this story requires not political labels but precise verification.

What Ukrainian and Israeli laws say

Ukrainian legislation

Ukrainian legislation speaks not just about “gestures” but more broadly about propaganda of the Nazi totalitarian regime and public use of its symbols.

The main norm is Article 436-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. It provides for liability for the production, distribution, and public use of symbols of the communist or national-socialist, i.e., Nazi, totalitarian regime. This is punishable by restriction of freedom or imprisonment for up to 5 years, with or without confiscation of property. If the same actions are committed by a representative of the authorities, repeatedly, by an organized group, or through media, the punishment can be from 5 to 10 years of imprisonment.

A separate law of 2015 — “On the Condemnation of the Communist and National-Socialist Totalitarian Regimes…” — defines that propaganda of the Nazi regime includes public denial of its criminal nature, dissemination of information aimed at justifying such a regime, as well as production, distribution, and public use of products containing its symbols.

The same law lists what is considered Nazi regime symbols: NSDAP symbols, the state flag and coat of arms of Nazi Germany from 1939–1945, the name NSDAP, images and inscriptions related to NSDAP activities, as well as images of slogans and quotes from NSDAP leaders and Nazi Germany authorities.

Important: the phrase “Nazi salute” as a separate independent term is not explicitly described in these norms. The law speaks of symbols, propaganda, slogans, public use, and justification of the regime. Therefore, a specific gesture should be evaluated in context: what exactly was shown, was the gesture accompanied by a slogan, was it a recognizable form of Nazi greeting, was there intent, who did it, where, was it public, and was it part of organized behavior.

Israeli legislation

Under Israeli law, the picture is similar to the Ukrainian one in one important sense: the phrase “Nazi salute” is not the main separate term of the law. Israeli legislation primarily speaks not about each specific gesture, but about denial of the Holocaust, expression of sympathy for Nazi crimes, racist incitement, and use of Nazi symbols in a certain context.

The main Israeli law on this topic is the Denial of Holocaust (Prohibition) Law, 5746-1986.

It prohibits the publication of oral or written statements that deny or diminish the crimes committed during the Nazi regime if the purpose of such publication is to protect the guilty, express sympathy for them, or identify with them. This law also prohibits the publication of words of praise, sympathy, or identification with Nazi crimes; the punishment is up to 5 years of imprisonment. A criminal case under this law is initiated only with the consent of the Attorney General.

Separately, in Israel, there is the Nazis and Nazi Collaborators (Punishment) Law, 5710-1950.

This is a historically important law under which Israel obtained a legal basis for prosecuting Nazi criminals and collaborators for crimes against the Jewish people, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed during the Nazi regime. This law is primarily related to crimes from 1933–1945, not to the modern public demonstration of a controversial gesture at a rally.

What is important for the article: in Israel, there is no simple formula that any gesture “hand forward” is automatically qualified as a separate crime called “Nazi salute”.

If a similar episode were evaluated in the Israeli logic, they would look at the context: was the gesture an expression of support for Nazism, was it accompanied by words, symbols, slogans, denial of the Holocaust, glorification of Nazi crimes, or incitement to racism/violence.

At the same time, in Israel, the public and political sensitivity to such gestures is much higher than in most countries. Therefore, even if the law does not always state separately “Nazi salute,” for Israeli society and diplomacy, such a gesture can be perceived as an extremely serious signal — especially if it visually resembles a Nazi greeting.

Is there an official investigation

In open reports from Ukrainian law enforcement agencies at the time of preparing the material, there is no separate information about the registration of the Israeli Embassy’s appeal, the opening of production, or the results of verification specifically for this statement.

Kyiv police reported on June 21 about mass events in the center of the capital and later stated that they ended without gross violations of public order.

This is important, but it does not close the issue.

The police report from June 21 appeared before the public statement of the Israeli Embassy on June 24. Therefore, it cannot be considered a response to the diplomatic mission’s claim.

At the same time, the absence of a public production number or verification report does not mean that there is no verification.

It only means that its fact, number, or results are not publicly presented.

For Ukraine, transparency is crucial right now.

If the Israeli Embassy saw a specific episode, it is logical to expect that the materials will be transmitted to law enforcement.

If law enforcement received the appeal, society has the right to know at least the general status of the verification.

If there was no violation, it is also important to establish this publicly.

What questions remain for the parties

The main question for the Israeli Embassy remains: what materials formed the basis for the statement?

Was it their own video?

Material from Ukrainian media?

Eyewitness reports?

A fragment from social networks?

Were these materials transmitted to the Ukrainian police, prosecutor’s office, or Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine?

The question for Kyiv police is equally important: did an appeal from the Israeli Embassy or other persons regarding the events of June 21 on Maidan come in?

Is there an investigation?

Is there a registration number for the appeal or production?

Is there a legal qualification?

The question for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is diplomatic: did the ministry receive official communication from the Israeli Embassy and was there a reaction from the Ukrainian side?

The factual question for the “Brotherhood” and Dmytro Korchynsky: were “Brotherhood” representatives on Maidan as an organized group, is there a full video of their participation, and can it be shown what slogans were voiced at the moment of the controversial gesture?

The organizational question for the organizers of “March for the Protection of Family, Children, and Ukraine”: who was responsible for the composition of the column, order at the event, the presence of different groups, and the documents submitted to the authorities for the event?

Until these answers are publicly received, the story remains a conflict of statements.

Why this works against Ukraine and benefits Russian propaganda

This story is dangerous for Ukraine not because it proves Russian accusations.

It does not prove them.

The danger is elsewhere: any words about a “Nazi salute” in Kyiv instantly enter the information field where Russian propaganda has been trying for years to impose a false image of Ukraine as a “Nazi state” on the world.

That is why it is impossible to act according to the logic of silence here.

But it is also impossible to accept generalizing accusations.

If a specific person made a prohibited gesture, it is a matter of their personal responsibility and possibly the responsibility of a specific group or organizers for order at the event.

If the accusation is erroneous, taken out of context, or based on an incomplete interpretation of the video, this should also be established publicly.

In both cases, clarity works for Ukraine.

Uncertainty works against Ukraine and benefits Russian propaganda.

Russia tries to use any controversial footage, any sharp statement, and any international reaction for the old narrative about “Nazism in Ukraine.” This narrative has no relation to the reality of Ukrainian resistance to Russian aggression, but it is constantly used to justify the war, pressure Western societies, and discredit Ukraine abroad.

Therefore, the pro-Ukrainian position in such a story is not to automatically defend any group and not to accuse Ukraine based on one video.

The pro-Ukrainian position is to demand facts, a full recording, identification of participants, and an official investigation.

Do not remain silent.

Do not generalize.

Do not give the topic to Russian propaganda.

Why this story is important for Israel and Ukraine

For Israel, possible Nazi salutes are not a secondary topic.

Any gesture reminiscent of a Nazi salute is perceived in Israeli society through the memory of the Holocaust, World War II, and the destruction of Jewish communities in Europe.

For Ukraine, this topic also cannot be secondary.

Ukraine is fighting against Russian aggression, defending its statehood, and paying a huge price for freedom every day. That is why Ukraine is not interested in individual groups or participants in mass events giving Russian propaganda images for manipulation.

But Ukraine also should not accept labels built on unverified or incomplete data.

The fair position here is simple: if the gesture was made, establish who did it. If it was not, publicly show that the statement was erroneous or based on a wrong interpretation. If the embassy has materials, they should be transmitted to the competent authorities. If the authorities are conducting an investigation, society should receive a clear result.

NANews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency considers it important to separate a specific episode from general accusations against Ukraine.

In wartime conditions, this is not only a matter of journalistic accuracy but also a matter of information security.

The story around the Israeli Embassy’s statement is not a proven judicial fact but a conflict of statements that requires verification.

The organizers of the event claim that there was no Nazi salute.

Dmytro Korchynsky, associated with the “Brotherhood,” acknowledges the presence of several people from this environment on Maidan but denies the demonstration of a Nazi salute.

Ruslan Kukharchuk, co-organizer of “March for the Protection of Family, Children, and Ukraine”, claims that there was no separate “Brotherhood” event on Maidan, and representatives of different groups participated in a broader context of several events.

The Israeli Embassy stated otherwise but did not publicly present photos or videos that would allow independent verification of its conclusion.

Open materials confirm the events themselves, the presence of different groups, controversial slogans, and a video with a gesture that requires separate evaluation. But this is not enough to transfer responsibility to all of Ukraine, Ukrainian society, or the state.

For Ukraine, the best response is a transparent investigation.

If a specific person or group of people made a prohibited gesture, the responsibility should be personal.

If the accusation is erroneous or taken out of context, this should also be publicly established.

In both cases, clarity works for Ukraine.

And uncertainty is against Ukraine and benefits Russian propaganda.