Berlin-Kyiv upset: Finally the tragedy is over

It’s good that the diplomatic dispute between Berlin and Kyiv has finally been settled. Steinmeier and Scholz should now travel quickly to Kyiv – and the Ukrainian ambassador Melnyk should curb his rhetoric.

The tragedy is finally over! Because the dispute over the Ukrainian government’s uninviting of the Federal President or even just the signal that the German head of state was not welcome there at the moment – this dispute only knew one winner: Vladimir Putin. He fervently wishes to drive a wedge between the country he invaded and his supporters. He must not succeed.

Therefore, once the diplomatic upsets have been resolved, both the Federal President and the Federal Chancellor should soon pack their bags and send a clear signal to Russia in Kyiv: Germany too is unequivocally on the side of Ukraine.

Good day for German-Ukrainian relations

This does not mean that every request for arms deliveries, no matter how understandable, must be automatically fulfilled. But a face-to-face talk in Kyiv might help understanding the difficulties on both sides. Those of Ukraine are obvious. But the federal government must also take seriously the great concern in Germany that it will be drawn into an open-ended war.

Perhaps Olaf Scholz can convey that to President Zelenskyj face to face better than he has been able to do so far through his public appearances. It is a good day for German-Ukrainian relations in the worst time of the crisis. The opportunity should be used, also for clearer and more courageous decisions on the part of the federal government.

Melnyk has to shut down

But now the Ukrainian ambassador to Germany Andriy Melnyk should reconsider his rhetoric. Even a diplomat can clearly criticize the politics of his host country. But to insult the head of government is simply unworthy of a representative of such a courageous and proud country as Ukraine.