Sergei Lavrov hit the Ukrainian president during an interview with Italian media, saying that the Jewish origin of Volodymyr Zelensky “means nothing”, while trying to justify the call of Vladimir Putin to “disarm” him. When Russia invaded Ukraine in February, President Putin described it as a “special military operation” to oust leaders who claimed to be neo-Nazis. Israel called Lavrov’s remarks “unforgivable” and called on the Russian ambassador to explain. Ukraine last – Russia claims to have shot down two bombers Image: Controversial statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview on Italian television Speaking through an interpreter, Lavrov told Italian media: “Well, if Zelensky is a Jew? The fact does not negate the Nazi elements in Ukraine. “Hitler was also of Jewish descent, so it means nothing. Some of the worst anti-Semites are Jews.” Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said the comments were a “scandalous and horrific historical mistake.” He added: “Jews did not commit suicide in the Holocaust. “The lowest level of racism against Jews is to accuse the Jews themselves of anti-Semitism.” Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:01 Russian advance “has stopped in the east” Israel has sought to maintain a neutral position during the war and has been measured in its criticism of Russia, on which it relies for coordinating security in the Middle East. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also sought to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. In an effort to legitimize the war on Russian citizens, President Putin has portrayed the battle as a struggle against the Nazis in Ukraine, even though the country has a democratically elected government and a Jewish president whose relatives were killed in the Holocaust. Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 The humanitarian corridor “works for the first time” Hours after the invasion, Putin called on Ukrainian troops directly, saying “it was easier for me to negotiate with you” than the “Nazi gang occupying Kyiv.” Read more: The desperate search for the thousands of missing in Ukraine In February, Lavrov said that “we will do everything possible to ensure that the Ukrainian government is independent,” adding: “It is currently under external control to support or encourage Nazi philosophy and is under Western control “.
