Ukraine apologizes, deletes controversial tweet on Goddess Kali
What's the story
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Emine Dzheppar on Monday issued an apology over the country's defense ministry's now-deleted controversial tweet on Hindu Goddess Kali. Notably, the ministry on Sunday tweeted an image of the deity over a blast fume with the caption, "Work of art." This triggered massive outrage on social media, with many Indian users accusing Ukraine of hurting the sentiments of Hindus worldwide.
Tweet
Regret depicting Hindu Goddess Kali in distorted manner: Dzheppar
In a tweet, Dzheppar said, "We regret depicting Hindu Goddess Kali in a distorted manner. Ukraine and its people respect the unique Indian culture and highly appreciate its support." "The depiction has already been removed. Ukraine is determined to further increase cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect and friendship," she added.
Twitter Post
Dzheppar's apology over the controversial tweet
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
Reactions
Deity's image resembled Marilyn Monroe's iconic 'flying skirt' photo
Notably, the now-deleted controversial image of Goddess Kali resembled photographer Sam Shaw's iconic 1954 "flying skirt" photo of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe. This depiction infuriated Indians, who called it "Hinduphobic" and accused Ukraine's Defence Ministry of mocking the Hindu culture. Many Twitter users even tagged India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Twitter CEO Elon Musk, seeking strict action against the Ukrainian defense ministry's account.
Twitter Post
Here's how users reacted to Goddess Kali's caricature
Shocking! Official handle of Ukraine Defense Ministry is portraying Maa Kali in a demeaning pose.
— Monica Verma (@TrulyMonica) April 30, 2023
This is not a work of art. Our faith is not a matter of joke. Take it down and apologise @DefenceU pic.twitter.com/h8zbL7Hgm3