Protester Painted In Ukraine Colors Removed From Cannes Red Carpet

The Ukraine crisis grabbed the spotlight in Cannes on Friday as a semi-naked protester painted in the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag was ejected from the red carpet.

The unidentified woman ripped off her gown revealing the Ukrainian flag colours, with the words “STOP RAPING US” emblazoned on her abdomen and red handprints on her buttocks.

The woman shouted and security officials quickly wrapped her in a jacket, removing her from the event. Guests looked bemused and the swinging festival music played on.

The brief protest took place at the world premiere of “Three Thousand Years of Longing,” with stars Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton poised to arrive and walk the famous steps of the Palais des Festivals.

This is not the first time individuals or groups have marched in protest of the crises between Russia and Ukraine and with all the fallout from the war, more can be expected.

At some points, these protests have co-occurred in many places worldwide. In the seven days from 24 February to 2 March, over 6,500 people in 53 cities across Russia have been detained by police for protesting against the invasion. The number of protesting Ukrainians is not accounted for.

The War in Ukraine is causing food and fuel crises. Smaller supplies and higher prices for food mean that the world’s poor could be forced to do without. Sharply rising commodity prices have been the most immediate economic impact of the Ukraine conflict and it is the people who bear the brunt.