March 27, 2023

All's Not Fair in Advertisement


All's Not Fair in Advertisement
A Ukrainian war-themed advertisement. Anatoli Stefan Shtirlitz, Telegram.

Ukraine's legislative body, the Rada, is considering banning war-themed products after companies began naming foods and drinks after wartime events and massacres. 

Products like "The Heroic Bucha Kombucha with citric flavor," "Azovstal" radishes, and "Heroes Don't Die" beer triggered a public outcry, with social media users comparing the practice to naming products after Nazi concentration camps. Deputies of the Rada condemned the decision to name goods after the massacres in Bucha and Mariupol, deeming it exploitative.

Ukrainian blogger and soldier Anatoly Shtefan posted pictures on Telegram of war-themed products, including a pita bread packaging with soldiers and a vodka brand with the slogan "Created in Ukraine during the resistance," among others. In one of his posts that included a picture of bread loaves characterized as soldiers, he wrote: "The disease of marketers is progressing."

The newly introduced law would ban the registration of brand names that evoke military events, cities, or places that suffered or resisted Russian aggression (unless registered before the war), hostilities and military operations, weapons, military units, and official greetings to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. A similar ban will also be drafted for advertisements. However, the laws won't affect the promotion of videos, films, or books about the war.

 

 

You Might Also Like

Eat. Bake. Protest.
  • January 25, 2023

Eat. Bake. Protest.

How a woman from Moscow turned a cake business into an anti-war protest and helped charities.
En Garde, Russia and Belarus
  • March 13, 2023

En Garde, Russia and Belarus

The International Fencing Federation greenlit the return of Russian and Belarussian fencers to tournaments — and the Olympics.
Not That Way
  • February 26, 2023

Not That Way

Vladimir Putin revoked a 2012 decree aimed at economic integration with the EU and supporting Moldovan sovereignty.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955