Envoy slams Germany for banning use of Ukrainian symbols on Victory Day

Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Andriy Melnyk has criticized the Berlin authorities for banning Ukrainian symbols at events on May 8-9.

It is reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to his interview with the German RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland editorial association.

He called it a slap in the face to all the people of Ukraine.

“We are shocked that the Berlin police banned the carrying of Ukrainian flags on May 8 and 9. This is a slap in the face to Ukraine and a slap in the face to the Ukrainian people. This not only indicates a lack of tact but is a disastrous political decision,” Melnyk said.

The diplomat stressed that amid that Germany's assurances of solidarity with Ukraine look like empty words.

“It is prohibited to publicly carry the Ukrainian flag in the capital, as well as the Russian one, under which the worst war crimes are carried out day and night against the civilians of Ukraine and tens of thousands of Ukrainians, women, and children, killed in cold blood. This is a huge scandal,” Melnyk said.

At the same time, he also explained that the efforts of the police to ensure security is understandable, but the fact that "the victim and the perpetrators are equated is simply outrageous."

The Ukrainian ambassador called on the local authorities in Berlin to "immediately reverse this dubious decision."
Earlier in Berlin, the police banned the use of Ukrainian and Russian symbols at events on May 8 and 9. Explaining that this was done "to avoid conflict situations."