Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin to Hizbullah TV: Soleimani’s Killing was Illegal; He was a “Fighter for Justice and for the Rights of the Peoples”

In an interview with the Lebanese Al-Manar TV, Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin said that in Russia, Iran's Qods Force commander Qasem Soleimani is considered a fighter for justice and the rights of the peoples. Zasypkin also said that most people in Russia understand that his killing by the U.S. was "in violation of the law." He added that no one fought against terrorism better than he did. The interview aired on January 16, 2020.

Alexander Zasypkin: "The position of the public among most forces in the Middle East, and perhaps, also in Europe, but definitely in Russia – is completely against the decision [to kill Qasem Soleimani]. In Russia, perhaps more than in other European countries, we know that Qasem Soleimani was always a fighter for justice and for the rights of the peoples. Some people don't have the details, but most people understand that what was done was in violation of the law. It is very simple. [They killed] an official of another country – This is without going into the details that we know..."

Interviewer: "What details?"

Alexander Zasypkin: "The most important thing is: Who fought terrorism better than him? For a long time, he was one of the best fighters against terrorism."