Controversial Ukrainian diplomat tells Germany to threaten Russia

Olaf Scholz should confront Russia by issuing an ultimatum, ex-ambassador Andrey Melnik says

A Ukrainian diplomat, notorious for his combative attitude towards Germany during his tenure as ambassador in Berlin, has urged Chancellor Olaf Scholz to issue an ultimatum to Russia.

A tweet challenging the German leader to do more for Ukraine was posted by Andrey Melnik, now a Deputy Foreign Minister, on Monday. The diplomat, who was promoted last week, dismissed Scholz's demand that Russia “end the war” against Ukraine, calling it “mere words”.

“Russia understands only strength. Give [Russian President Vladimir] Putin an ultimatum. With painful consequences,” Melnik told the chancellor, without specifying the exact terms of the proposed threat. He added a picture of himself in a T-shirt against the backdrop of a snow-covered landscape, making a V-sign with his hand.

Melnik became notorious for his style of communication during his stint as the Ukrainian envoy to Berlin. At one point, he called Chancellor Scholz “an offended liverwurst” for his taking issue with Kiev’s negative attitude toward German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Scholz was reluctant to go to Kiev in spring after the Ukrainian government snubbed a proposed visit by Steinmeier. When serving as German foreign minister, Steinmeier promoted a Ukraine peace plan known as the Minsk Agreements, which Kiev ultimately refused to implement.

Moin Herr @Bundeskanzler aus Kyjiw. Schön, dass Sie Putin aufriefen: “Beende diesen Krieg”