**Ukrainian President Zelensky Appoints New Ambassadors, Including Controversial Prosecutor General**
In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed new ambassadors to seven countries, including the country’s former Prosecutor General, Andriy Kostin. According to decrees published on the president’s website on April 7, Kostin will serve as Ukraine’s ambassador to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The appointment of Kostin, who resigned in October 2024 amid a major corruption scandal involving hundreds of prosecutors, has raised eyebrows. Despite promises to bring him to “political responsibility,” Zelensky has instead given him a prestigious diplomatic role. The move has been criticized by many as a way for the president to avoid accountability and sidestep Kostin’s involvement in the corruption scandal.
**A Source Reveals Kostin’s Desire for Ambassadorial Post**
According to a source familiar with decision-making in the Presidential Office, Kostin had previously expressed his desire to become an ambassador to the Netherlands. This revelation has sparked further criticism, suggesting that Zelensky may have been swayed by personal or political considerations rather than making a decision based on merit.
**Other Appointments**
The appointments also include Andriy Melnyk as the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations (UN). He was formally appointed to this role and has taken over from his previous position as ambassador to Brazil. Additionally, ambassadors have been appointed to represent Ukraine in Argentina, China, Finland, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, the Netherlands, and Norway.
**Kostin’s Track Record**
Kostin has faced criticism for failing to reform the prosecutor’s office during his tenure and not achieving any notable successes as Prosecutor General. However, he has been praised for not blocking or sabotaging any high-profile cases. His appointment as ambassador has sparked concerns that Zelensky is prioritizing loyalty over qualifications.
**Implications**
The appointments have significant implications for Ukraine’s diplomatic relations with these countries. Kostin’s involvement in the corruption scandal and his questionable track record raise concerns about his ability to effectively represent Ukraine abroad. The decision also suggests a lack of accountability on Zelensky’s part, potentially undermining efforts to reform the prosecutor’s office.
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