Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has taken a big step in the midst of the Russia-Ukraine War. Zelensky has dismissed his ambassadors posted in 9 countries including India. Apart from India, Ukraine’s ambassadors posted in Germany, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Norway, Hungary and Czech Republic have been removed.
This action is being directly linked to Russia’s support in the war. However, no reason has been given in the order for this action. It has also not been told in the order whether these ambassadors will get posting in any other place or not.
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Germany-Ukraine relations sensitive
According to an order issued on the website of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Melnyk, the ambassador of Ukraine to Germany, has been sacked.
In the past few months, Melnick was in the news due to several high-profile controversies. He made objectionable remarks to the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Along with this, Melnik defended Stephen Bandera in an interview with German podcaster Tilo Jung. Stephen Bandera assisted the Nazis during World War II.
Andrey Melnik, who was appointed as ambassador to Germany in late 2014 by the previous president of Zelensky, is well-known among politicians and diplomats in Germany.
Ukraine’s relations with Germany remain very sensitive. In fact, Germany is dependent on Russia for energy supply and these days a German-made turbine is in Canada for repair. Germany wants Canada to quickly repair it and hand it over to the Russian company Gazprom to speed up gas supplies to Europe.
At the same time, Ukraine says that if Canada sends this turbine to Russia, then it will be a violation of sanctions.
India Neutral on Russia-Ukraine war
India has been neutral since the beginning of the Russo-Ukraine war. Every time India has boycotted the voting on the resolutions brought against Russia in the United Nations. The Indian government had already made it clear that it would not support any country by opposing Russia. Due to this Ukraine has expressed displeasure many times.
Significantly, at the beginning of the war, PM Modi spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and appealed to resolve the issues through dialogue.
Hungary rejected Ukraine’s appeal
At the same time, Ukraine has not received support from Hungary in the war against Russia. In March, the Hungarian prime minister turned down an emotional appeal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for arms supplies to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia’s energy sector.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Zelensky’s request was “against the interests of Hungary” and that imposing sanctions on Russia’s energy would mean “the Hungarian economy would slow down and die out in some time”.
Britain raises Zelensky’s concern
Zelensky is concerned about the ongoing political crisis in Britain. Boris Johnson has resigned. After Johnson’s resignation, Ukraine feels that the support it could have got from Britain, it will no longer get it. A few months ago, Boris Johnson was seen with Zelensky on the streets of Kyiv.
