Ukraine expresses regret over ‘distorted’ tweet on Goddess Kali

New Delhi: After facing an online backlash over its Defence Ministry’s tweet allegedly depicting Hindu Goddess Kali above blast smoke, Ukraine on Tuesday expressed regret for the tweet and said they respect Indian culture and highly appreciate India’s support.
Ukraine’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Emine Dzhaparova, who had visited India in early April, expressed regret in a tweet.
“We regret @DefenceU 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.”
The now-deleted tweet by the Ukraine defence ministry had sparked outrage online with several users calling the image disrespectful and “Hinduphobic”.
On April 30, Ukraine’s Defence Ministry tweeted with the caption “Work of art,” and shared a picture of a blast in which the artist depicted the blast in an offensive blend of famous American actress Marilyn Monroe in her ‘flying skirt’ pose with the face and detailing resembling Hindu Goddess Kali.
Dzhaparova had paid an official visit to India from April 9-12, in the first such visit since the Ukraine conflict began.