Ukraine's President Zelensky invaded Russia in a video speech on the 3rd when Germany and France blocked Ukraine from joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2008 regarding the killing of civilians in the capital Kieu (Kyiv). He showed anger at Germany and France, saying that he had invited him.

"Former German Chancellor Merkel and former French President Nicolas Sarkozy should come to Bucha (where the slaughter took place) to see the consequences of the concession policy to Russia. See the tortured Ukrainians for themselves. I want it, "he criticized the German and French leaders at that time by name.

NATO stated in a statement at the summit meeting in Bucharest in 2008 that Ukraine and Georgia would "become members" in the future, but it is said that the membership was not realized due to opposition from France and Germany.

According to the German public broadcaster ARD, a spokesman for Merkel issued a statement saying, "Merkel still maintains his judgment at the time regarding the NATO summit." Sarkozy has not commented by the 4th.

Germany and France announced on the 4th that they have decided to deport Russian diplomats stationed in the country. According to media reports, 40 people were targeted in Germany and 35 people were targeted in France. In the European Union (EU), Belgium, the Netherlands and the Baltic states also deported Russian diplomats last month.

Sankei Shimbun [Paris = Mina Mitsui]