Ukraine apologizes over controversial tweet depicting goddess Kali in distorted manner

KYIV: Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova apologized after the country’s Ministry of Defense tweeted a picture of Goddess Kali in a distorted manner. “We regret the Ministry of Defense depicting Hindu goddess Kali in distorted manner. Ukraine & its people respect unique Indian culture & highly appreciate India's support. The depiction has already been removed. Ukraine is determined to further increase cooperation in spirit of mutual respect & friendship”, tweeted the minister.

The Ukraine defence ministry's tweet, which has now been deleted, was captioned "Work of art" with an image of Goddess Kali superimposed over a blast fume. This sparked criticism and controversy. The controversial tweet was shared days after Emine Dzhaparova visited India. Emine is the top Ukrainian official to visit India since the Russia-Ukraine war started in February 2022. Emine handed over a letter from the President of Ukraine requesting India's intervention in the war to Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi.

We regret @DefenceU depicting #Hindu goddess #Kali in distorted manner. #Ukraine &its people respect unique #Indian culture&highly appreciate🇮🇳support.The depiction has already been removed.🇺🇦is determined to further increase cooperation in spirit of mutual respect&💪friendship.

— Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) May 1, 2023