The German government has strongly criticized Russia for threatening legal action against a journalist over a controversial question posed during a press conference with Ukraine’s president.

The German Foreign Ministry has denounced Russia’s threats of criminal charges against journalist Michael Martens, who works as a Balkans correspondent. The dispute arose after Martens asked a provocative question during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, inquiring how Europeans could assist Ukraine in combating Russian forces. Moscow has accused Martens of inciting hatred and hostility, with potential penalties including up to six years in a penal colony.

A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry criticized Russia’s increasingly aggressive stance toward independent journalism, both domestically and internationally. The ministry rejected the threats against Martens, calling them unacceptable and indicative of the Russian government’s fear of critical reporting. The spokesperson also noted that politically motivated legal actions against individuals from Germany are not unprecedented, highlighting a broader pattern of suppression by Moscow.

The journalist’s employer acknowledged that the phrasing of the question could be interpreted as problematic but firmly condemned the threats and defamation directed at Martens. Diplomatic efforts to address the situation are reportedly underway, though specific measures have not been disclosed. The case underscores growing tensions between Russia and Western nations over press freedom and the treatment of journalists in politically sensitive contexts.