Crimean Tatar leader takes on key diplomatic role as Ukraine’s ambassador to Türkiye

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Neriman Celal, the deputy chair of the Crimean Tatar parliament, as Ukraine’s ambassador to Ankara, in a statement released on December 20. 

This decision was part of a broader shake-up in Ukraine’s diplomatic corps, with 30 new ambassadors appointed, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

During a video on Telegram, Zelenskyy announced the new appointments, saying, “Today, together with our diplomatic team, we approved the list of new Ukrainian ambassadors.” Among the notable appointments, Celal was chosen to serve as ambassador to Türkiye. Zelenskyy emphasized that Celal’s appointment was especially significant as he had been freed from Russian captivity just a few months ago.

Celal, a 44-year-old former journalist and community leader for a predominantly Muslim minority from Crimea, was detained by Russian authorities in 2021. He was accused of organizing a sabotage operation in Crimea, leading to his imprisonment. However, Celal was released on June 28, 2023, as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.

In addition to the appointment of Celal, Zelenskyy also announced the naming of ambassadors to Ukraine’s missions to the United Nations and NATO, promising that further decrees would be published according to diplomatic procedures.

Zelenskyy also condemned a recent missile attack by Russia on Kyiv, calling it a “terrorist attack.” The strike, which occurred earlier that day, killed one person, injured several others, and caused significant damage to a church as well as to diplomatic missions from countries including Albania, Argentina, Palestine, North Macedonia, Portugal, and Montenegro.

Celal’s appointment is seen as a critical move in Ukraine's ongoing diplomatic efforts, especially in strengthening relations with Türkiye, an important regional partner.

By Tamilla Hasanova