BBC: Ukraine's Zelensky sacks ambassador to UK Prystaiko after criticism
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sacked his country's ambassador to the UK. Vadym Prystaiko had recently criticised the president's response to a row over gratitude for British military aid.
He had called Mr Zelensky's promise to thank the UK defence minister every morning "unhealthy sarcasm".
Kyiv gave no official reason for the dismissal but confirmed that Mr Prystaiko was no longer ambassador.
Earlier this month, Ben Wallace said he had warned Ukraine that its allies were "not Amazon", saying Kyiv needed to show gratitude for weapons it received in order to persuade Western politicians to give more.
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WNU Editor: I met Vadym Prystaiko a few times when he was ambassador to Canada in 2013/2014. I was helping some of my Chinese contacts establsh business ties with Ukraine at the time, and I wanted Kyiv's assistance. The last time I met him was in Ottawa while the Maidan revolution was happening. At the time he was deeply disturbed that Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych may be overthrown (which he was).
He is a career diplomat who has served in numerous positions for the Ukraine government after his stint as ambassador in Canada, but I was surprised that he was appointed by Zelensky to be the country's ambassador to the UK. It is a post that is usually rewarded to close friends and allies, and I know through second hand sources that he was not a particular fan of the Ukraine President .... hmmmm .... that is probably the real reason why he was fired today.
Zelensky Fires Ukraine Ambassador To The UK After ‘Sarcasm’ Comments
Zelenskiy sacks Ukraine's ambassador to UK after criticism -- Reuters
Ukraine’s ambassador to UK dismissed after criticising Zelenskiy -- The Guardian
Zelensky fires ambassador to UK after ‘gratitude’ critique -- The Hill
Ukraine war: Zelenskyy fires UK ambassador after 'sarcastic' comment -- Euronews
Ukraine's UK ambassador criticised 'sarcastic' Zelenskyy in Sky News interview days before sacking -- SKY News