During a recent joint press conference in Berlin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech was unexpectedly cut short — not by any political tension, but thanks to a technical hiccup with the translation system.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was standing beside him, had to step in when he couldn’t hear the simultaneous translation through his earpiece.
Merz Stops Zelensky Mid-Speech Over Translation Issues
Just moments after Zelensky began speaking, Merz interrupted, explaining he couldn’t follow the speech due to the translation problem.
Zelensky, ever quick on his feet, wondered aloud, “You don’t have translation? Still not? Now you have?” which got a chuckle from those present.
Merz then made a lighthearted joke about the “modern German technology” struggling at the moment, sparking laughter throughout the room.
The glitch was fixed shortly after, allowing Zelensky to continue.
A Funny Misunderstanding Adds to the Laughter
Once the issue was resolved, Zelensky double-checked if everything was running smoothly by asking Merz directly.
In response, Merz quipped back with “Deutschland” — the German word for Germany — which was either a playful jab or a misheard reply.
Either way, it caused another burst of laughter among attendees.
Zelensky’s Outfit Draws Attention and Comparisons
Besides the translation mishap, Zelensky’s choice of clothing during his Berlin visit caught eyes for a different reason.
Departing from his usual military-style look, he wore a simple black jacket that some journalists described as resembling prison uniforms or security guard outfits.
This wasn’t the first time his wardrobe stirred conversation; back in March, during a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, reporters asked if Zelensky even owned a suit.
The Visit’s Political Context and Outcomes
Zelensky’s trip to Germany also included meetings with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Merz.
Despite high hopes, German media quickly noted that no decision was reached on providing Ukraine with the long-range Taurus missiles — a key point of interest given the ongoing conflict.
Who Is Friedrich Merz Anyway?
For those unfamiliar, Friedrich Merz is Germany’s Chancellor since May 2025 and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
His political career spans decades — from working as a judge and corporate lawyer to serving in the European Parliament and the Bundestag.
Merz once rivaled Angela Merkel for CDU leadership but eventually rose to lead the party and the country’s government.