By Alexandre Guessel, Special Representative of the Secretary General on antisemitic, anti‑Muslim and other forms of religious intolerance and hate crimes.
"Yesterday, the President of the Russian Federation made remarks regarding the fight against anti-Semitism. In these remarks, the Jewish origins of President Vladimir Zelensky of Ukraine were mentioned several times. The stigmatisation of Jewish affiliation is deeply regrettable and contradicts the values of the Council of Europe. President Zelensky was elected by a huge majority of his fellow citizens from all ethnic groups in Ukraine. Such an election in a multi-ethnic and multicultural society has been a source of honour and strength for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. It calls for respect and support from all those who want to effectively combat any policy of ethnic or religious hatred, starting with anti-Semitism".
