Farion does not consider Russian-speaking soldiers from “Azov” to be Ukrainians

Former Member of Parliament from the “Svoboda” party, Irina Farion, has stated that she does not consider the soldiers of the “Azov” battalion, who speak Russian, to be Ukrainians.

Farion made this statement during an appearance on journalist Yanina Sokolova’s program “Rendezvous.”

“What is preventing you, guys, if you are so ‘powerful’ and you were so smart back then, from following Article 29 of the Armed Forces Law? You, guys, do you know what discipline in the army means? If there is no discipline in the army, there is no army; it’s just a rabble. I cannot call them Ukrainians if they do not speak the Ukrainian language. Let them then call themselves Russians. Why are they so bewildered? Why has it all come down to the Ukrainian language? If they are such great patriots, show your patriotism – learn the language of Taras Shevchenko,” said Farion.

Social media users expressed their outrage at Farion’s words. Videos have been shared on platforms like TikTok, showing soldiers responding to her, and there have been critical comments.

“Farion is a complete idiot. She’s completely out of touch,” say the soldiers in the videos.

“Every time I listen to her, I get the impression that she escaped from a mental hospital,” write TikTok users.

Some are even calling on the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to take action against Farion.

“The morning is, of course, lousy, but it gets even worse when you realize that you are living in the same universe as Farion”; “Irina Farion publicly calls the ‘Azov’ battalion a rabble. She should go to the front lines herself, and they will learn,” express the sentiments of many people.