Police in the Samara region of Russia have launched a criminal investigation into allegations of ‘Nazi rehabilitation’ after a video surfaced showing teenagers singing a song that includes the lyrics ‘Our father is Bandera, Ukraine is our mother.’ The song references Stepan Bandera, a Ukrainian nationalist leader associated with the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), a group historically linked to fascist activities during World War II. Authorities have cited Russian laws against promoting extremist ideologies and actions that could be interpreted as supporting ‘Nazi’ symbols or activities. The incident has sparked debates about freedom of expression versus national security concerns in the region.
The video, which has been widely shared on social media, shows a group of teenagers performing the song in what appears to be a youth gathering. While the lyrics are seen as a form of patriotic expression in Ukraine, they are viewed in Russia as potentially problematic due to historical associations with Bandera and the OUN. Russian officials have emphasized the need to prevent the spread of extremist ideas, particularly among younger generations. The investigation may also prompt a broader discussion about how such patriotic expressions are perceived and regulated in different political contexts.