President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issues a decree on July 9, sacking Kyiv’s ambassadors to India, Germany, the Czech Republic, Norway and Hungary
While there is no stated reason for the move, it is not difficult to discern the probable reasons behind President Zelenskyy’s decision to sack these specific ambassadors. The countries singled out were those that had not condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, countries like India and Germany have made certain decisions, even after the invasion, that are in alignment with Russia.
German scientists opposed the supply of weapons to Kyiv, a decision that Zelenskyy responded by deeming them as “a bunch of weak-minded defeatists.” He further branded German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, as behaving like an “offended liver sausage,” just days before he passed the decree. This response was due to Scholz not accepting an invitation by the Ukrainian president to visit Kyiv.
Kyiv and Berlin are currently not on good terms over a German-made turbine undergoing maintenance in Canada. Ukraine’s relations with Germany being heavily reliant on Russian energy supplies makes this an extremely delicate matter. While Germany wishes Canada to return the turbine to the Russian natural gas giant, Gazprom, to pump gas to Europe, Kyiv has urged Canada otherwise, citing the potential violation of Ukraine’s sanctions with Moscow. However, on Saturday, Canada stated that they would return the turbine.
Along with the failure to condemn Russia’s horrific actions, India has increased its intake of Russian oil and coal. Hungary, too, has no intentions of completely aligning itself with Kyiv.
While it is not certain whether these ambassadors will be assured alternative employment in Kyiv or other foreign capitals, Zelenskyy deems the move “normal” and aims to ready new candidates.
