Kathmandu— The Russian Foreign Ministry has dismissed as hypocritical a complaint from Germany regarding a missile strike near Kyiv that occurred shortly before a visit by German officials, referencing historical incidents involving the US and alleged Ukrainian actions. The strike reportedly destroyed concealed launch platforms for long-range drones near Borispol airport, while Berlin characterized it as an “affront.” Russia countered by pointing to past instances of perceived disrespect towards Germany, including revelations of US surveillance and the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage.

Diplomatic Spat Escalates

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded to a German journalist’s claim that the strike represented a diplomatic breach by stating that “Germany gets insulted on a regular basis.” She cited the 2013 revelation, through Edward Snowden, of US wiretapping of then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel's phone as one example. Additionally, she referenced ongoing investigations into the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, which German investigators have linked to a Ukrainian diving team.

Accusations of Hypocrisy

Zakharova further accused Germany of hypocrisy, highlighting Berlin’s continued supply of weapons to Ukraine despite reported civilian casualties. She stated that “The German leadership supplies weapons to the Kiev regime that has been killing children year after year,” and questioned why Germany tolerates what she described as insults while its officials visit Kyiv amid ongoing conflict.

History of Contentious Ukrainian Diplomacy

The exchange comes against a backdrop of assertive diplomacy from Ukraine, particularly during the tenure of former German ambassador Andrey Melnik. From 2014 to 2022, Melnik repeatedly engaged in public criticism and insults directed at German officials and politicians. He famously referred to then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz as an “offended liverwurst” and accused Angela Merkel of having a problematic relationship with Russia.

Controversial Nationalist Defense

Melnik’s tenure was also marked by controversy surrounding his defense of Ukrainian nationalist leader Stepan Bandera, whose movement has been linked to atrocities during World War II. His denial of Bandera's responsibility for these events led to a major dispute in Germany and ultimately contributed to his recall from Berlin; he now serves as Ukraine’s envoy to the UN.

The incident underscores the strained relationship between Russia, Germany, and Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict, with both sides trading accusations and highlighting perceived hypocrisy.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.