German Chancellor Olaf Scholz declined to assess a remark directed at him by Andriy Melnyk, the Ukrainian ambassador to Germany. During the interview, Scholz shifted the topic, stating that the ambassador’s words would be left to the journalist to interpret.
When pressed for clarification, Scholz noted that Ukraine has been at war for weeks. He emphasized a clear focus: aid to Ukraine to defend itself, and a goal that Russia should end hostilities and withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory. He also pointed to the imposition of broad sanctions as a response to the crisis.
What Melnyk said
Earlier in May, the Ukrainian ambassador criticized Scholz for not visiting Kyiv, explaining that Ukrainian officials did not want the German president to travel there first.
Melnyk later called Scholz a certain unflattering term and asserted that the German cabinet chief had behaved childishly. The ambassador stood by his remarks and did not apologize. The Federal Assembly urged a formal response to Melnyk’s statements. Several German party representatives came to Scholz’s defense.
In particular, Wolfgang Kubicki, deputy leader of the Free Democratic Party, reminded that Scholz is the head of government and deserves respect. In reply, Tino Krupalla, co-chairman of the Alternative for Germany party, argued that Melnyk’s rhetoric crossed lines of diplomacy and responsibility.
Melnyk has earned a reputation for outspoken language. He has repeatedly demanded tighter arms support for Kyiv, criticized what he views as slow progress by the European Union on a Russian energy embargo, and suggested that many Russians are adversaries. He also accused German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of maintaining extensive contacts with Russia. German media have frequently highlighted Melnyk’s comments, sometimes labeling them confrontational or controversial. Melnyk, 46, has led the Ukrainian mission in Berlin since 2014.
In April, a petition circulated in Germany calling for Melnyk’s expulsion. More than 35,000 people signed the effort. Melnyk acknowledged that such petitions are radical but noted that in Germany anyone can sign them, even though this particular petition had not received coverage in local news at that time. (Source attribution: Reuters)