The sacked Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK), Vadym Prystaiko, has thanked the people and the government of the UK for their support of Ukraine through the country’s darkest times. In his message of departure from his post, Amb. Prystaiko said that he would never get tired of expressing gratitude to the UK by saying thanks for its support for his country in this time of a Russian invasion.
He stated, “I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and solidarity demonstrated by the UK. I will never tire of repeating this again and again. Thank you! Together, we stood shoulder to shoulder, united in the fight for Ukraine’s sovereignty and our shared values.
“The UK has been a leader in the coalition of Ukraine’s allies and partners. All of you, His Majesty’s Government, armed forces, all kind people You helped us to persevere in the darkest hour.”
“We are in deep debt to you. I know how closely Ukrainians are taking this to heart. Thank you!”, He said.
The ambassador’s thank-you message may have come on the heels of Defense Secretary Ben Wallace’s comment on Ukraine’s constant request for military equipment and Volodymyr Zelensky’s well-reported response to Wallace.
Wallace had said during a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, earlier this month that the Western Allies, particularly the UK and the U.S., both of whom have supported Ukraine, would want to see a Ukraine full of gratitude for the billions expended for the acquisition of arms and ammunition. And that both the UK and the U.S. must not be seen as Amazon’s when Ukraine has a need for military assistance.
He admonished Kyiv to be sure that the political leaders in Washington are always carried along and briefed on all decisions.
Pres. Zelensky’s response to Wallace appeared to express dissatisfaction and disapproval.
He retorted, “How else should we thank him? Well, let him write to me and tell me how I need to thank people so that we can be fully grateful.
“We can also wake up in the morning and thank the minister personally.”
Pres. Zelensky’s response was considered inappropriate by Amb. Prystaiko, who, by his public statements, appeared to have reservations about his president’s comment.
Amb. Prystaiko was known to be an outspoken figure in the UK, largely known for his constant condemnation of Russia’s assault against his country.
Throughout these times, he is often seen in the media speaking for his people and pleading for continuous engagement for the good of Ukraine. He wanted an international effort to help end the war and preserve the sovereign existence of Ukraine.
He was also a regular visitor at 10 Downing Street and was present at all seminars and events seeking a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Amb. Prystaiko was eventually sacked from his post in London. His sack was ordered by President Zelensky, who signed a presidential order to that effect.
While the other remained quiet over why Amb. Prystaiko was dismissed, evidence shows it was unconnected with Amb. Prystaiko’s words in condemnation of the president’s choice of words in Vilnius.
Amb. Prystaiko has been Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK since his letter of credence was accepted by the U.S. government in July 2020.
