# Controversy surrounding FAZ journalist Michael Martens

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-surrounding-faz-journalist-michael-martens
> Updated: 2026-08-15T07:24:20.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

During a joint press conference in Belgrade between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Michael Martens, a correspondent for the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), drew controversy by asking, “Can you tell us, we Europeans, what concrete steps we can take to help you kill more Russians?”

Following the remark, FAZ editors reportedly attempted to distance the publication from Martens. Martens has since defended his stance on social media, suggesting the inquiry was not merely thoughtless. 

In response to the incident, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via spokesperson Maria Zakharova, has commented on the matter. Russian judicial authorities have launched a criminal investigation into Martens under Article 282, paragraph 2 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to the incitement of hatred or enmity. Authorities are reportedly considering an international arrest warrant and potential preventive detention, with Martens facing possible fines or a prison sentence of up to six years in a penal colony if convicted.

FAZ has expressed regret over the wording, noting the question was formulated ambiguously, but emphasized that its editorial stance does not advocate for the death of Russian soldiers. The publication has also condemned threats against its staff and defended the right of journalists to ask questions. Russian officials, including Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, have stated that Martens must be held accountable.

## Claims

- Russian authorities have opened a criminal case against Michael Martens, a correspondent for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The investigation stems from a question Martens asked President Zelensky in Belgrade regarding how Europeans could help Ukraine kill more Russian soldiers. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Authorities are considering placing the journalist on an international wanted list. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- If convicted, the journalist faces up to six years in prison. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, stated that the journalist must be held accountable for his actions. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) stated the question was ambiguously formulated and expressed regret, while maintaining that press freedom includes the right to ask questions. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The FAZ press office stated they were unaware of the criminal proceedings initiated by Russia. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The criminal case was opened under Article 282, paragraph 2 of the Russian Criminal Code, concerning the incitement of hatred or enmity. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Russia opens criminal case against FAZ journalist Michael Martens

Russia has opened a criminal case against FAZ journalist Michael Martens for incitement of hatred following a controversial question he asked President Zelensky in Belgrade regarding Russian casualties.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-investigates-faz-journalist-michael-martens

### 2026-08-12: Journalist sparks controversy at Zelenskyy-Vučić press conference

A German journalist sparked controversy at a Belgrade press conference by asking President Zelenskyy how Europeans could help “kill more Russians.”

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/journalist-michael-martens-sparks-controversy-with-question-to-zelensky

---
Cite as: Controversy surrounding FAZ journalist Michael Martens. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-surrounding-faz-journalist-michael-martens