German newspaper FAZ clarifies correspondent's controversial question on killing Russian soldiers

German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) issued a clarification after its correspondent Michael Martens asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference in Belgrade whether Europeans could help Ukraine kill more Russian soldiers. The newspaper stated the question was poorly formulated and does not reflect its editorial position.

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However, the question was poorly formulated, for which we apologize. It is not FAZ's editorial stance that as many Russian soldiers as possible should be killed.

FAZ explained that Martens' question was meant to address ongoing discussions among defense experts about how to pressure the Russian military through personnel attrition to force peace negotiations. The outlet regrets the imprecise wording of the question.

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FAZ supports Ukraine's right to self-defense, which is guaranteed by international law, and calls for the swiftest possible end to Russian aggression.

Martens himself shared FAZ's statement on Twitter, emphasizing that the newspaper supports Ukraine's right to self-defense under international law and desires a swift end to Russian aggression. He noted that the question, posed after being called upon by an advisor as the only non-Serbian or non-Ukrainian journalist, sparked discussion.

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Perhaps Michael wanted to emphasize the significance of the topic he raised. I assume he wanted to say that Europe has not helped Ukraine enough, that this aid is not effective enough to resist.

Serbian journalist Veran Matić commented that while Martens has the right to his questions, he personally would not have phrased it that way for ethical reasons. Matić suggested Martens aimed to highlight Europe's insufficient aid to Ukraine and that wars are unfortunately won by killing people. He believes Martens prepared the question and likely had an indication he would be allowed to ask it, possibly due to his good communication with President Vučić. Matić also noted the question's resonance in Moscow could complicate Vučić's relations with Russia.

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Wars are won by killing people.