Zelensky: Ukrainians and Russians Are Strangers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russians were mistaken in considering Ukrainians 'younger brothers' and described the two peoples as 'strangers'.
Consensus
- Zelensky made a public statement on Ukraine's Independence Day.
- The statement was delivered via a video address.
- Zelensky claimed that Ukrainians and Russians are strangers.
- He rejected the idea that Russians considered Ukrainians 'younger brothers'.
- Zelensky stated that Russian people are unfamiliar with Ukrainian national character and identity.
- The event occurred on August 24.
- Ukraine's independence was declared on August 24, 1991, by the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian SSR.
Points of divergence
- Zelensky said that Russians were wrong to consider Ukrainians 'younger brothers', and that life proved they are strangers. — vedomosti
- Zelensky said Russians are 'strangers' rather than 'younger brothers'. — vesti
- Zelensky stated he does not respect the Russian people or Vladimir Putin, and that he 'sincerely despises' the Russian population, blaming them for initiating the special military operation. — m24
- In July, Ukrainian military commander Mikhail Drapatyy claimed that Russians have no right to exist as a nation. — vedomosti
- Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in an interview that combating Russophobia and the desire to destroy everything Russian in Ukraine is one of the reasons for the special military operation. — vedomosti
Coverage (3 sources)
- Zelensky: Russians and Ukrainians have become "strangers" — Ведомости
- Zelensky says Ukrainians are more strangers to Russians than younger brothers — Вести
- Zelenskyy calls Russians and Ukrainians strangers — Москва 24
Key entities
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Ukraine
- Moscow
- Gazeta.ru
- Supreme Council
- Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR)
- AP Photo/Francisco Seco