The Ukrainian President spoke to the German government in no uncertain terms. But why does his representative’s language in Germany sometimes become “rather undiplomatic”? Maybrit Illner’s representative Theo Koll tried to clarify this question and showed little sensitivity elsewhere.
by Charlotte Zinc
“Maybrit Illner” without Maybrit Illner? Yes, that’s possible: because the hostess of the show had to stay at home with Corona, ZDF colleague Theo Koll jumped in as talk show host on Thursday.
Hours after the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj delivered an impressive speech in the Bundestag via video message about the war in his country and asked the Federal Republic for more help, Koll wanted to know from his panel discussion: “Is Germany already doing everything that could be done?”
The following guests gave answers:
- Robert Habeck (B’90/The Greens, Vice Chancellor, Federal Minister of Economics)
- Marie Agnes Strack Zimmermann (FDP, Chairwoman of the Defense Committee in the German Bundestag)
- Andriy Melnyk (Ambassador of Ukraine in Germany)
- Michael Roth (SPD, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Bundestag)
- Eric Vad (Retired Brigadier General, former military adviser to Angela Merkel)
Despite interesting questions: A discussion among those invited did not really want to develop. Instead, Koll asked them one by one for their opinions on different topics. It got biting when he asked the Ukrainian Ambassador Andriy Melnyk whether there was a limit to how many civilian casualties his country would accept.
“Maybrit Illner”: Cynical question to Ukrainian ambassador
“This question is so cynical that I will not answer it,” said Melnyk. Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible for the war and its victims, he said. Ukraine would not do the “German or American friends” the favor of surrendering “so that they no longer have to endure these terrible pictures.”
“That wasn’t my question,” Koll clarified. Melnyk then added: “We will fight until Mr. Putin’s offensive comes to an end.”
Right at the beginning of the program, Koll addressed the fact that the ambassador also likes to be clearer: “For a diplomat, you are rather undiplomatic in your oratory,” says the moderator. Is it because he believes that this is the only way to bring about change in Germany?
Melnyk explains his “undiplomatic” nature
It’s not about “clear words” but about “urgency,” Melnyk clarified: Because both he and his president felt “that what we explain doesn’t always get through.”
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck explained in a pre-recorded video interview with Koll on “Maybrit Illner” how Selenskyj’s speech in the Bundestag was received. He said the words of the Ukrainian President were “touching, disturbing, accusatory” and, from Selenskyj’s point of view, “certainly completely justified ” felt.
However, Habeck also made it clear: From the Federal Republic’s point of view, the President’s statements were “not completely justified”: “Because Germany is doing a lot to support Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy’s speech written by the President himself
In his speech on Thursday morning, Zelenskyy thanked all Germans who are committed to Ukraine. At the same time, he also made Germany jointly responsible for what he saw as a “new wall in Europe” between freedom and bondage.
“He wrote this speech himself,” explained Melnyk on “Maybrit Illner”. In his view, it is now time for the government to present further aid plans. “It’s not too late,” the ambassador continued. When asked on Thursday if he would drive in support of Ukraine in their capital Kyiv, Habeck replied: “If it makes a contribution – I would always drive.”
It remains to be seen what kind of aid will be implemented by the Federal Republic in the coming days and weeks. There is no doubt that Germany will continue to support Ukraine in its defense against Putin.
Source: Stern
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