The Embassy of Russia in Seoul has drawn the ire of many South Koreans over a controversial banner displayed on its building. The 15-meter banner, written in Russian and translated into English as “Victory will be ours,” was installed despite mounting calls from South Korean citizens and several European diplomatic missions in Seoul to remove it. The embassy has refused to back down, stating that the banner was put up to commemorate “Defender of the Fatherland Day.” It argued that other diplomatic missions also display banners and promotional materials on their premises and maintained that the banner helps strengthen bonds among Russians. The embassy said it would take the banner down once the celebrations are over. There was initially an event to celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Day scheduled for Tuesday, but the embassy cancelled it. Chris Monday, an economics professor at Dongseo University in Busan, said the embassy banner reflects Russian President Vladimir Putin’s broader political strategy. “Intimidation and veiled threats are integral to Putin’s playbook,” h