Ukraine Apologises After Backlash Over Goddess Kali Tweet

The official Twitter account of Ukraine's defence ministry posted a picture of a woman in an upskirt stance with facial features that resembled those of the Hindu goddess "Maa Kali". It was a photo of a female posing similar to Hollywood actor Marilyn Monroe popular pose, with the caption, "Work of art". It received flak from several Indian users, as they found it disrespect to their deity and forced its removal.

Ukraine Apologise Over Goddess Kali Tweet

Netizens criticised Ukraine's defence department of impersonating the Hindu goddess Kali, labelling the move "insulting" and "Hinduphobic." However, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister apologised for the tweet.

Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister, Emine Dzheppar, condemned the defence ministry's tweet "depicting Hindu divinity Kali in a misleading manner." "Ukraine and its people appreciate and value support for their distinctive Indian heritage. Eventually the image has been taken over from the twitter handle. Ukraine continues to strive to expand relations in an atmosphere of respect for one another and friendliness," Dzheppar wrote further.

Several netizens reacted on the tweet and demanded to remove the tweet. A user stated, "I'm extremely shocked to witness the Ukrainian defence profile insulting Maa Kali, a renowned Hindu goddess. This is a horrible display of apathy and stupidity. I encourage them to remove the objectionable content and apologise. Compassion for every faith and convictions is essential."

Kanchan Gupta, Senior Advisor at the nation's Ministry of Broadcasting and Information, chastised Ukraine's administration over the post on Twitter.  "This is an attack on Hindu emotions all over the world," he remarked.

Another user slammed ministry, said, "Absolutely disgusting conduct from Defence Ministry of Ukraine with their distasteful depiction mocking Maa Kali. India has provided assistance to Ukraine, and this is how they are repaying them." "Hindus deserve an apology RIGHT NOW," one user stated, while another said, "Pity on Ukraine for defaming Ma Kali. We demand that you immediately apologise and delete this incredibly insensitive tweet."

This controversy was also utilised by Russian diplomats, particularly Dmitry Polyanskiy, First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN, to escalate their fury at Ukraine. Additionally, a number of people demanded that S. Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs in India, and the Indian foreign ministry get involved.

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