Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany Andriy Melnyk has described Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to Kyiv as an important signal but noted that Mr Scholz must also pledge more military support.

“It should open a new chapter of German support for Ukraine,” Mr Melnyk told dpa. “Ukrainians hope that the chancellor will not come empty-handed, but will bring a solid package of military aid in his travel suitcase.” 

He said Berlin needed to swiftly deliver the artillery systems it had already promised to Kyiv and offer other modern air defence systems to protect the lives of civilians.

Mr Melnyk said Mr Scholz should also announce the granting of candidate status without artificial conditions.

Ukraine’s top diplomat in Germany is not one for being diplomatic.

“Better shut your leftist mouth,” Mr Melnyk tweeted at a German politician who criticised Ukraine’s Azov Regiment.

In one of his most headline-grabbing insults, he called Mr Scholz an “offended liverwurst” for refusing to visit Kyiv amid a spat over the German president’s ties to Russia.

But Mr Melnyk, who has held the position of Ukraine’s ambassador in Berlin since 2014, is unapologetic.”I don’t give a damn what they think. I’m not here for a beauty competition,” he said in an interview at his residence last week.

(dpa/NAN)