The statements of Andriy Melnik, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Berlin, towards the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, aroused great reaction in German politics and the public.
Prime Minister Scholz from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) showed that President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was not wanted in Ukraine in mid-April as the reason he did not visit Ukraine in the broadcast he attended last night on the public television ZDF, and he expressed the attitude of Ukraine towards President Steinmeier. “It is not to say to a country that provides so much military aid, provides so much financial aid, is needed when it comes to security guarantees, and is important for the future of Ukraine: But the president cannot come,” he said.
Evaluating these statements in a speech he gave to the German news agency dpa, Andriy Melnik said, “Being offended and being offended is not compatible with statesmanship. The most devastating war has been taking place in Ukraine since the Nazi occupation, it is not a kindergarten.” However, the use of the phrase “delicate sausage”, which is used in German for those who are sensitive in public, among the words chosen by Melnik, was met with a reaction.
“Must be respected”
Coalition partner Free Democratic Party (FDP) Deputy Chairman Wolfgang Kubicki said, “Olaf Scholz is not a sausage, he is the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. This requires respect.”
FDP Deputy Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann called on the Ambassador of Ukraine to apologize to President Steinmeier. Speaking to the newspapers affiliated with the Funke Media Group, the FDP politician said, “Maybe, dear Mr. Melnik, the President will be apologized and the Prime Minister will be politely invited to come.” Strack-Zimmermann said that it could not be expected that Scholz would not visit Kiev without first asking for the President.
Johann Wadephul, Deputy Chairman of the parliamentary group of the opposition Christian Union (CDU/CSU) parties, also criticized the Ambassador’s reaction. Stating that the expressions used were “inappropriate”, Wadephul said, “Diplomatic representatives should also act appropriately towards government representatives in special cases.”
Tino Chrupalla, group leader of the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, stated that “such provocations and insults” should not remain fruitless and demanded that Ambassador Melnik be summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chrupalla said that if Melnik does not show remorse for his statements, the government should insist on Melnik’s dismissal.
At the beginning of April, Ambassador Melnik accused President Steinmeier of establishing close ties with Russia while he was Minister of Foreign Affairs, and said, “Steinmeier has for decades formed ties with Russia like weaving a spider web.”
dpa / JD,ET