US Ambassador: Russia is trying to use anti-Semitism as a propagandist weapon against Ukraine
According to Ukrinform, this was stated by U.S. Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, during an online press briefing in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires. The full text of her communication with journalists is available on the website of the US Department of State.
"I'm in very close contact with the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States (Oksana Markarova - ed.)... The fight against anti-Semitism is very often a resonant issue in these conversations with her and with her compatriots as Russia has tried to use anti-Semitism, as well as accusations of Nazism and fascism against Ukraine, as part of its propaganda, as part of its war. So this issue, by definition, is on our agenda," said the representative of the American diplomatic corps.
Deborah Lipstadt noted that she, as a representative of the U.S. government, has not been able to visit Ukraine personally but hopes to make such a visit in the future.
"We are not deceived that these Global Guidelines (for Countering anti-Semitism) will eradicate anti-Semitism. Yet, we believe they provide a very good roadmap or plan not only for government leaders, but also for leaders of states, cities, non-governmental organizations, universities, etc., in what they can do to combat anti-Semitism. We continue to gather signatories. The last one yesterday was Ukraine, and it was very touching that they (Ukrainians) joined this group of nations," said Deborah Lipstadt.
The U.S. Ambassador said that their government initiated the creation of the Global Guidelines for Countering Anti-Semitism about 8 months ago, taking into account the best international experience in this fight and with the involvement of ministers of justice and representatives of the academic community from different countries. Initially, the initiative group included 18 countries. During the inaugural presentation of this document, which took place on July 18, 2024, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, 38 states and international organizations, including Ukraine, have already signed the Recommendations.
It should be noted that the fight against anti-Semitism and its manifestations is part of Ukraine's state policy. In particular, the Law of Ukraine, "On Preventing and Combating Anti-Semitism in Ukraine," was adopted and has been in force since September 2021.