The Origin of the Chant ‘Putin – Khuylo’: From Football Fans to a Symbol of Ukrainian Resilience
In modern Ukrainian cultural and societal discourse, the chant ‘Putin – Khuylo’ has become widely recognized and frequently used as a form of protest and expression of national resistance. This phrase carries a complex and intriguing history rooted in the interactions between football fan subcultures, active resistance movements, and the broader political landscape of Ukraine. According to Kostyantyn Nemichev, co-founder of the Kraken special unit of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, its genesis can be traced back to conflicts between fans of Kharkiv’s Metalist and Kyiv’s Dynamo clubs. Over time, especially after the outbreak of full-scale war, the chant evolved into a nationwide slogan symbolizing opposition to Russia’s aggressive actions. Nemichev credits officer Serhiy Velychko, known by the call sign ‘Chili,’ as the author who transformed this phrase into an emblem of resistance. Initially, the chant served as a way for football supporters to express their discontent and defiance against Russian football ultras, but it soon took on a political dimension, becoming a rallying cry for Ukrainians unified in their struggle for independence and territorial integrity. This powerful expression was adopted by volunteers and military units, including the Kraken unit, which played a pivotal role in defending Kharkiv from Russian attempts to seize the city. The development of this chant illustrates how cultural symbols can be co-opted and transformed into tools for national resistance and solidarity. For more details on the Kraken's significant contributions to the defense of Ukraine and the role of this chant, see the interview with Kostyantyn Nemichev in ‘Ukrainska Pravda,’ where he discusses the unit’s combat path and the resilience of Ukrainian defenders during the most challenging periods.