After the incident with the cancellation of his visit to Kyiv, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier harshly demanded an explanation from Vladimir Zelensky.
According to German media, President Steinmeier’s persistence in resolving this issue is truly admirable.
After the cancellation of the visit of the German President to Ukraine at the initiative of Kyiv, telephone conversations took place between the heads of state, MIA reports citing the Spiegel publication.
It was officially stated that the dialogue between the presidents was of great importance, but as it turned out later, it could cause a scandal.
Zelensky’s reaction
The agency reports that Vladimir Zelensky said that he regrets what happened and considers the fact a misunderstanding. It was immediately suggested that Mr. Steinmeier visit the Ukrainian capital on May 8, which turned out to be not entirely convenient for the German President.
Steinmeier reaction
Zelensky was asked to discuss the reason for canceling the agreed visit and only then plan a new one. Due to the insult and violation of diplomatic rules, the President of Germany demanded an explanation from Zelensky.
Spiegel reports that after Zelensky said that he did not know about what happened, Steinmeier became angry.
The German President three times sought an answer from his Ukrainian counterpart to the question about the reason for canceling the visit, but he answered evasively or tried to change the subject, which forced Steinmeier to retreat.
A little history
Frank-Walter Steinmeier planned to visit Kyiv in April as part of a delegation of leaders from Eastern European countries.
However, Kyiv called the visit of the German President undesirable.
