Berlin agreed on the candidacy of a new Ukrainian ambassador to Germany. Aleksey Makeev, it seems, should be the one.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier agreed on the appointment of Aleksey Makeev as the new ambassador. This information was published by the German media with reference to sources in diplomatic circles.
Melnik resigns
Makeev must replace Andrei Melnik, who worked as an ambassador for 8 years. This is a lot, because diplomats usually stay in this position for 4, maximum 6 years.
Melnyk will cease to be Ukraine's ambassador to Germany in October. In particular, he is due to arrive in Kyiv in the middle of the month to take up a new post at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The media wrote that Minister Dmitry Kuleba offered the diplomat to become his deputy.
The Office of the President did not officially comment on Melnik's dismissal, but this may be due to sharp criticism of the German government. Indeed, since the beginning of a full-scale war, the ambassador has repeatedly said that Germany gives Ukraine few weapons and is trying to maintain contacts with Vladimir Putin. He resented this behavior of German officials.
The ambassador spoke out in a rather harsh manner, which even offended Chancellor Olaf Scholz, because he called him “offended liver sausage.” Subsequently, Melnik apologized and admitted that such a statement was not very diplomatic.
What is known about Alexei Makeev
During 2014-2020, Makeev headed the political department of the Foreign Ministry. Since May 2020, he has been working as a special commissioner for sanctions. The diplomat specializes in international security issues and the analysis of foreign policy processes.
He is fluent in German and English, communicates in Spanish and French. Previously, Makeev worked in Berlin and Bern.
