You're reading: New Nike T-shirt appeals to supporters of Russian occupiers in Donbas

The latest clothing line by an American sports clothing maker Nike has provoked an unexpected reaction in Ukraine.

Nike released a clothing line dedicated to the upcoming London Marathon on April 22, including T-shirts with “LDNR” printed on them.

The abbreviation is intended to stand for “Londoner,” at the same time being a conjunction of LDN (London’s abbreviation) and Running.

However, the four letters mean something quite different in Ukraine: They stand for the abbreviated names of the areas in eastern Ukraine occupied by Russia since 2014.

The Russian-installed authorities that took over part of Donetsk Oblast have been referring to themselves as the “Donetsk People’s Republic” – abbreviated as DNR in Ukrainian.

In turn, the Russian-installed authorities that control parts of Luhansk Oblast refer to themselves as LNR. In Ukrainian media, “LDNR” or “LNR/DNR” has become the most common way to refer to the Russian-occupied areas of the Donbas.

Supporters of the Russian occupation on Twitter have left many comments saying they want to buy the London Marathon T-shirts. Those supporting the Ukrainian government expressed disappointment with Nike’s failure to thoroughly research other uses of the abbreviation.

As this article was published, Nike had yet to give any comment on the controversy.