Aussies furious over small detail in video of Anthony Albanese: ‘A total embarrassment’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been criticized for filming a video of support for Ukraine with the Australian flag almost completely covered.

In the message, Albanese expressed Australia’s condolences for the Ukrainian lives lost in the conflict on the two-year anniversary of the Russian invasion on Saturday.

The Prime Minister delivered the message directly in front of the Australian flag, while Indigenous and Torres Straight Islander flags were draped on either side.

Although the flags were positioned correctly according to national flag protocols, Mr Albanese was criticized for not clearly displaying the flag of the country he represented.

Among those who criticized the video was 2GB presenter Ben Fordham, who said it was like a game of ‘hide and seek with the Australian flag’.

“Someone in the Prime Minister’s office needs to remember that he is the Australian Prime Minister and if he is carrying international messages we don’t need all the other flags,” he said on Monday.

‘I’m not suggesting you need six, seven or eight flags there, Albo, but at least show one that clearly states the country you represent.

“I know this isn’t the biggest problem in the world, but if you record an international video message that is seen around the world, can you let people know where it came from.”

Social media users joined the discussion and condemned the Prime Minister.

‘He is an absolute disgrace, the Australian flag should be front and center at all press conferences he gives!’ wrote one.

A second added: ‘Disgraceful.’

“A total shame for Australia and all Australians,” said a third.

In the video, the prime minister paid tribute to the “tremendous courage of the Ukrainian people” during the two-year conflict that killed around 70,000 Ukrainians, 31,000 of whom were soldiers.

Mr Albanese took aim at the Russian armed forces, condemning the “large-scale, brutal invasion and relentless attacks, including on civilians and infrastructure”.

“Australia is supporting Ukraine with $960 million in military and humanitarian assistance,” he said.

“Australia stands in solidarity with our international partners and the people of Ukraine.”

Mr. Albanese concluded the message by shouting “slava Ukraini,” a chant meaning “glory to Ukraine.”

Mr Fordham told listeners on Monday that the Prime Minister needed to take more pride in the national flag during an internationally watched message.

The video was posted on the two-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, with Mr Albanese (pictured with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy) offering his condolences on behalf of Australians.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton also appeared in the video, but with the Australian and Ukrainian flags on either side of him (pictured)

Opposition leader Peter Dutton’s message was also featured in the video, but with an Australian and Ukrainian flag behind both shoulders, without the Indigenous or Torres Straight Islander flag.

“On February 24, 2022, the Ukrainians made a decision, not a white flag but a blue and yellow flag,” Dutton said.

“It is not enough to say that through our words we are on Ukraine’s side. We must show that through our actions we are on Ukraine’s side.”

Ahead of the second anniversary of the war, the Albanian government announced it would send an additional $50 million to Ukraine to purchase weapons.

Replying to a post on

“We appreciate our partnership with Australia and all your assistance since the outbreak of the full-scale war,” President Zelensky wrote.

“We are grateful to have found such a good and devoted friend in Australia, for whom geographical distance does not matter.”