The Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová, reacted sharply to the controversial statements of the spokeswoman of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova. On social networks, she commented on a photo of Mathernova, who spent the night in the bathroom of a hotel room for security reasons during the Russian attacks on Ukraine. In her remarks, Zakharova did not forgive the sexualized allusions and criticism of the EU’s policy towards Ukraine, which provoked a sharp response from the diplomat.
- EU Ambassador Mathernová sharply rejected the statements of the Russian spokeswoman.
- Zakharova used sexualized allusions to the diplomat’s photo.
- Mathernova criticized the mockery of the suffering of Ukrainians during the attacks.
- Zakharova’s statements provoked criticism at home and internationally.
- Mathernova insists on further informing about the consequences of Russian aggression.
Mathernová stated on her Facebook profile that such statements are not only an attack on her as an ambassador, but also as a woman. “When a spokesperson for a military aggressor sexualizes a photo of a woman hiding from Russian missiles and drones, it says nothing about me, but everything about the regime that Marija Zakharova represents,” the diplomat wrote.
Sharp criticism of the regime
At the same time, the ambassador drew attention to the broader context of the situation when she recalled that millions of Ukrainians have been forced to spend the night in basements, corridors and shelters for four years to protect themselves from the constant attacks of the Russian army. According to her, mocking the suffering of the civilian population has nothing to do with diplomacy and only reveals the cynicism of the Russian regime.
Mathernova emphasized that such attacks will not deter her from further reporting on the consequences of Russian aggression in Ukraine. “We will continue to talk about what is happening and point out the reality that the Russian attacks bring,” she added.
The diplomat will not back down
Zakharova’s statements caused a wave of criticism not only in Ukraine, but also among international observers. With her position, Mathernova once again emphasized that the European Union is on the side of Ukraine and its people, who are facing a constant threat from Russia.
This situation once again points to the strained relations between the EU and Russia, with similar incidents only deepening diplomatic rifts. However, Mathern made it clear that her efforts to inform the public about the reality of the war in Ukraine will continue despite any attempts to discredit her.
