“Sometimes a salad is just a salad.”
Irina Shayk responded to claims she was cryptically supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine with an Instagram story of potato salad.
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On Wednesday, the Soviet-born model posted a picture of some Olivier salad with the caption, “Russianzz on Wednaday…”
The caption caught the attention of some who claimed that the word “Russianzz” was a reference to the “Z” symbol that has become emblematic of support of Russia’s invasion — appearing on Russian military vehicles and in rallies in support of the Kremlin. The pro-war symbol has subsequently even been banned in some German states, citing the criminal code against “incitement to crime of aggression.”
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Subsequently, some interpreted Irina’s story as an endorsement of the war in Ukraine:
As a result, yesterday Irina took to her story to write, “Sometimes a salad is just a salad.”
“I promise: No coded messages or political commentary here. Wishing everyone love,” she added.
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Back in February, Irina announced that she would be donating to Unicef and Red Cross Ukraine with the caption, “No To War…Praying for peace.”
