Melnyk Eyes Return to Berlin as Ukrainian Ambassador, Proposes Schröder as Putin Mediator

Andrij Melnyk, Ukraine’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said he would accept a second posting as ambassador to Germany if offered. In interviews with German media on July 9 and 10, Melnyk called Germany his “second home” and suggested former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder could use his personal ties to Putin to mediate peace talks. Melnyk served as ambassador in Berlin from 2014 to 2022 before postings in Brazil and New York.

Why Melnyk left Berlin in 2022

Melnyk was recalled from his ambassadorial post in 2022 after controversial statements about Ukrainian nationalist Stepan Bandera. Historians say Bandera’s wartime organization, the OUN, participated in mass killings of Poles and Jews. Critics argued Melnyk appeared to deny these crimes while serving as ambassador. During his tenure, he also made sharp personal attacks on German politicians, calling SPD foreign policy figure Michael Roth’s departure from politics “a shame” and labeling others with harsh language.

Melnyk’s mixed record and regrets

While Melnyk stands by some of his controversial statements, he now regrets others. He said it was “not right” to call left-wing politician Sahra Wagenknecht “a disgusting witch.” He also apologized for insulting SPD politician Michael Roth. Melnyk told Der Spiegel that he loves Germany and understands the country better than many of his diplomatic colleagues.

Melnyk’s proposal for Schröder as mediator

Melnyk suggested that former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder could leverage his personal relationship with Putin to advance peace negotiations. He described Schröder as a “tragic figure” who still has access to Putin “in his current mental state.” Melnyk called on Chancellor Friedrich Merz to consider using Schröder as a back-channel for diplomatic messages.

Slim odds for Melnyk’s return to Berlin

Melnyk acknowledged that a second ambassadorial posting to Germany is “rather unrealistic,” given his controversial record. He has served as Ukraine’s permanent representative to the United Nations since May 2025. His willingness to acknowledge past mistakes and his claim to understand German politics suggest he sees value in the relationship, even if Berlin is unlikely to rehire him soon.

Final Thoughts

Melnyk’s bid to return to Berlin reflects Ukraine’s desire to repair ties with Germany after years of diplomatic friction. His proposal to use Schröder as a mediator signals Kyiv’s interest in exploring all diplomatic channels with Moscow, though both outcomes remain unlikely.

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