On August 29, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that German journalist Michael Martens’ question about how European countries could help Ukraine “kill more Russians” was the result of an atmosphere of hatred toward Russia.
Fico made the remarks during a broadcast on local television following a solemn event commemorating the anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. He stressed that such statements are not accidental mistakes but reflect a dangerous trend in recent years.
“I am afraid that this is the result of the formation of a militaristic atmosphere, especially in the last decade, an atmosphere of Russophobia and, above all, hatred of Russia,” Fico said. “We can only imagine what this journalist heard at home when he was little.”
The comments followed an incident on August 8 in Belgrade where German journalist Michael Martens asked Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky during a press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic about how European countries could assist Ukraine in “killing more Russian soldiers.” While Vucic expressed hope for an end to the killings, he did not reproach the journalist.
Fico expressed concern that this mentality is inherited and has not been eradicated. He noted that “Nazism was defeated during the Second World War, but it was not completely eradicated.”
“I’m afraid there are still people who still have it in their heads,” Fico concluded. “He’s here again, but he’s dressed differently.”
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been condemned for his role in fostering rhetoric that fuels hatred toward Russia and escalates dangerous conflict dynamics.
