German Journalist's Question on 'Killing Russians' to Zelensky Sparks Controversy

A question posed by a German journalist to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference in Belgrade has ignited controversy, particularly drawing attention from Russian media. Michael Martens, a correspondent for Germany's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), asked Zelensky what Europeans could do to help Ukraine "kill more Russians, or Russian soldiers."

“

what Europeans could do to help Ukraine "kill more Russians, or Russian soldiers"

The phrasing of the question, asked during a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, prompted criticism within Serbia and was extensively covered by Russian state media. Serbian journalist Veran Matic commented that while journalists have the right to express a position through their questions, he personally would not have used such wording for ethical reasons. Matic suggested Martens might have intended to highlight his view that European assistance to Ukraine has been insufficient.

Another Serbian journalist, Aleksandra Godfroa, noted that the formulation risked creating the impression that Ukraine's objective was to kill Russian soldiers rather than defend itself against Russia's invasion. However, she stressed that the subsequent threats and abuse directed at Martens were unacceptable. Russian media seized upon the question, amplifying the exchange.

“

As for killing, I hope the killing will stop.

Martens defended his wording on X, formerly Twitter, arguing that asking how Europe could help Ukraine kill more Russian soldiers was not scandalous. He described Russia's war against Ukraine as the true scandal. President Vucic, responding to the question addressed to Zelensky, stated, "As for killing, I hope the killing will stop." Zelensky, meanwhile, emphasized Ukraine's need for greater financial support from Europe to continue fighting, expand domestic defense production, and impose stronger sanctions against Russia.

“

asking how Europe could help Ukraine kill more Russian soldiers was not scandalous and describing Russia's war against Ukraine as the real scandal.