Diehard Ukrainian ambassador labels calls for dialogue with Russia ‘pure cynicism’

 

KIEVE – Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany expressed criticism of politicians in Chancellor Scholz’s Social Democratic Party and the country’s labour movement for issuing an appeal for peace talks with Russia.

Oleksii Makeiev was referring to a call under the heading “Make Peace!” for use on flyers to be distributed at the traditional Easter March by the country’s anti-war movement to be held this year on April 10, Easter Monday.

“This appeal for peace is not an April Fool’s joke,” Makeiev told dpa. It’s pure cynicism with respect to the many victims of Russian aggression.”

The call had but one aim: to hide Russia’s crimes and the responsibility of the Russian government, he said. Ukraine’s recipe for peace was rather: “Mr Putin, withdraw your troops from all of Ukrainian territory!” Makeiev said.

The peace appeal was initiated by prominent members of the SPD from the older generation, along with former labour leaders.

It calls on Scholz to join with France in appealing to countries, including Brazil, China, India and Indonesia, to mediate a ceasefire.

“This would be a necessary step to end the killing and to sound out opportunities for peace. Only then can the path be paved towards a joint security order for Europe,” it says.

The Easter March tradition in Germany goes back to the early 1960s. Its main focus has long been opposition to nuclear weapons. The marches in major centres draw support from the left and the labour movement.