Ukrainian linguist, doctor of philology, People's Deputy of the 7th convocation Iryna Farion said that she "cannot call" the soldiers of the "Azov" regiment who do not speak Ukrainian Ukrainians. According to her, the defenders should call themselves "Russians".
Farion made the statement about the Azov soldiers during an interview with journalist Yanina Sokolova. In particular, she said that she "categorically rejects" the fact that some of the regiment's soldiers speak Russian.
"I categorically do not accept this. I have a question for them: what is stopping you guys from doing this if you are so strong? And you are very smart. What prevents you from fulfilling Article 29 of the law on the Armed Forces of Ukraine? Do you guys know what discipline is in the army? If there is no discipline in the army, then there is no army, it's a rabble," Farion said.
And when the journalist said that the Azov soldiers could not be called "Katsaps," she said: "I cannot call them Ukrainians. If they do not speak Ukrainian, then let them call themselves 'Russians'. Why are they so crazy? If they are such great patriots, then show your patriotism."
