A German journalist has drawn widespread attention after asking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Belgrade what Europeans could do to help Ukraine “kill more Russians, or Russian soldiers”, with the wording prompting criticism in Serbia and extensive coverage by Russian media.
Michael Martens, a correspondent for the German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), asked the question during a joint press conference by Zelensky and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
Serbian journalist Veran Matic told N1 that journalists have the right to express a position through their questions, but said he personally would not have phrased it that way for ethical reasons.
Matic suggested Martens may have wanted to underline his view that European assistance to Ukraine has been insufficient or ineffective.
N1 foreign affairs journalist Aleksandra Godfroa said the formulation risked creating the impression that Ukraine’s objective was to kill Russian soldiers rather than defend itself against Russia’s invasion.
She stressed, however, that the threats and abuse subsequently directed at Martens were unacceptable.
Russian media highlighted the question, while Martens defended his wording on X, arguing that asking how Europe could help Ukraine kill more Russian soldiers was not scandalous and describing Russia’s war against Ukraine as the real scandal.
Vucic, although the question was addressed to Zelensky, responded: “As for killing, I hope the killing will stop.”
Zelensky said Ukraine needed greater financial support from Europe to continue fighting and expand its domestic defence production.
He also called for stronger sanctions against Russia and additional assistance to protect Ukraine from ballistic missiles.
The exchange became one of the most discussed moments of Zelensky’s visit to Belgrade.
Source: N1
