Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he invited French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to see evidence of “genocide” committed by Russian forces in the war-torn nation. 

Notably, the French president has thus far avoided using this term. 

“I talked to him yesterday”, Zelensky said in a CNN interview, continuing, “I just told him I want him to understand that this is not war, but nothing other than genocide. I invited him to come when he will have the opportunity. He’ll come and see, and I’m sure he will understand.” 

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The Ukrainian president has been verbally escalating accusations against Russia trying to increase condemnation and consequentially sanctions. Ukraine earlier called for war-ending sanctions as well. 

In a call with US President Joe Biden, Zelensky asked for Russia to be categorized as a state sponsoring terrorism which the US has thus far refused to do. The Ukrainian chief also feels Biden should come and see the situation, after the US president has labelled the actions in Bucha, where mass civilian graves were found after Russian forces withdrew, as genocide. 

Thus far, the White House has said no visit is on the cards. 

When British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Ukraine, he said the events in Bucha were not far short of genocide.

However, Macron has maintained that the term “genocide” is one that should be decided legally and not bandied about by politicians. Speaking to France’s Radio Bleu, Macron who’s running for President again, said “The word ‘genocide’ has a meaning” and “needs to be characterized legally, not by politicians.” He also noted that it was not helpful for Ukraine to enter “verbal escalations” when all conclusions hadn’t been drawn. 

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Zelensky earlier claimed to be pained by Macron’s refusal to label Russian actions in Ukraine a “genocide”. He said that the French president’s stance reflected Paris’ desire to maintain diplomatic relations with Moscow.