"Ukraine and Russia, brothers?"... Ukraine Reacts Strongly to Macron's 'Dangerous Remark'

Published 15 Apr.2022 03:00(KST)

Updated 09 Mar.2023 12:31(KST)

Macron: "The peoples of both countries are like 'brothers'"

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (left), and Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. / Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Yeeun] French President Emmanuel Macron is facing strong backlash from Ukraine for referring to Ukraine and Russia as 'brothers.'

On the 13th (local time), President Macron appeared on the 'France 2' program and commented on President Biden's use of the term 'genocide' by saying, "Using harsh terms does not help end the war. Because the two peoples are brothers."

He added, "It can be said that Russia is waging a brutal war unilaterally. It is clear that Russian forces have committed war crimes, and therefore it is necessary to identify those responsible and establish justice." However, he also said, "At the same time, I want to face the facts and try to stop this war as much as possible and rebuild peace. We need to be cautious with such expressions."

In response, Oleg Nikolenko, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, "It is disappointing," and pointed out, "The myth that (the two countries are brothers) began to collapse when Russia forcibly annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. There is no longer any moral or substantive reason to talk about a brotherly relationship."

He added, "'Brothers' do not kill each other's children, shoot civilians, rape women, cripple the elderly, or destroy homes."

President Macron's remarks contrast with those of U.S. President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who have condemned Russian forces for committing genocide.

Earlier, on the 12th, President Biden, during a visit to Iowa, denounced that "It is becoming increasingly clear that Putin is trying to erase the very notion that Ukrainians exist," accusing Russian forces of committing genocide in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, genocide refers to acts of mass killing aimed at exterminating specific national, ethnic, or religious groups, such as the Nazi Germany's Holocaust of the Jews, and is defined in the UN convention as a crime that requires international intervention.