Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, used her telegraph channel to react to comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky had drawn a controversial parallel between the nuclear devastation seen in Hiroshima and the ongoing battles in Bakhmut, a comparison that drew swift scrutiny from international observers.
Zakharova’s reply reflected a stance that has become familiar in ongoing tensions between Moscow and Kyiv, as she echoed a sentiment that has been circulating in various political circles. Her comment underscored the friction surrounding Zelensky’s rhetoric and highlighted the role of Western capitals in shaping the narrative around the war in Ukraine.
During a press conference tied to the G7 discussions, Zelensky spoke about Hiroshima’s destruction and its supposed resonance with the situation in Bakhmut, offering a stark reminder of the war’s human and strategic costs. The president also met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, a session that was part of a broader bilateral effort to align on security and humanitarian support for Ukraine amid the ongoing crisis.
At the gathering, participants reviewed both the material and technical capacities of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, focusing on how to sustain and strengthen Kyiv’s military readiness in the face of ongoing pressure. Zelensky publicly thanked Kishida for Ukraine’s assistance, noting a substantial financial contribution of 7.6 billion dollars intended to bolster Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction efforts.
Zelensky’s arrival in Hiroshima occurred on May 20, when he attended the G7 summit in person, marking a high-profile moment in the international response to Ukraine’s situation. The discussions at the summit highlighted coordinated Western support, strategic assurances, and ongoing commitments to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security in the shadow of ongoing hostilities.