French Minister backs Macron; says 'genocide' incorrect term to describe Ukraine war

France's Foreign Secretary of State for European Affairs, Clément Beaune, on Monday, backed President Emmanuel Macron, saying that it is inappropriate to use word "genocide" to describe events in Ukraine war. This comes shortly after Macron on Sunday expressed disapproval to "engage in wordplay" by using term "genocide." French President indicated that he would rar use word "war crimes" to define Russia-caused atrocities in embattled ex-Soviet nation. 

After US President Joe Biden, during his trip to Iowa, said that "genocide" is being committed in Ukraine. Macron widely criticised statement saying, "What we can say for sure is that situation is unacceptable and that se are war crimes. We are living through war crimes that are unprecedented on our soil — our European soil" while speaking with France 2.

For unversed, Biden during his speech accused his Russian counterpart, Vlimir Putin, of attempting to "wipe out" notion of being a Ukrainian citizen. "Yes, I call it a genocide," he h said. However, later, in attempted damage control, Biden told reporters that he will leave it up to lawyers to decide if Russian actions in Ukraine amount to "genocide." This called for a prompt response from Paris, with Macron saying that he is reluctant to use such a word, inste preferring that conflict ends soon.

Ukrainian President invites Macron to see proof of 'genocide'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy retorted to Macron's statement, saying that he has invited his French counterpart to see for himself evidence of "genocide" in Ukraine. In an interview with CNN, Zelenskyy informed, "I talked to him yesterday, I told him I want him to understand that this is not war, but nothing or than genocide. I invited him to come when he will have opportunity. He will come and see and I am sure he will understand."

embattled President ded that he thinks Macron is shying away from using term as it could risk Paris' diplomatic relations with Moscow. Zelenskyy ded that he believed that Biden would visit Kyiv at some point. However, White House on Saturday me it amply clear that re are no such plans in near future.

(Image: AP)