Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expelled his country’s ambassador in the UK.

THE Vadim Pristaiko he was allegedly dismissed after publicly criticized the president’s response in a dispute over gratitude for British military aid.

He had characterized “unhealthy sarcasm” Mr Zelensky’s promise to thank the UK Defense Secretary every morning.

Kyiv did not give an official reason for the expulsion, but confirmed that Mr Prystaiko was no longer an ambassador. The presidential decree states that Pristaiko was also removed as Ukraine’s representative to the International Maritime Organization.

Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said Ukraine’s allies “are not Amazon”, saying Kiev needed to show gratitude for the weapons it received in order to persuade Western politicians to give more.

He spoke at the NATO summit after President Zelensky criticized the military alliance for delaying Ukraine’s accession.

“How else can we show our gratitude? We could wake up every morning and thank the minister. Let him write to me and tell me how to please him“, said Mr. Zelensky about the defense minister’s comments.

Mr Pristaiko told Sky News there was “a bit of sarcasm” in his president’s response, which he believed was “unhealthy”. “We don’t expect anyone to fight for us, we only ask for equipment,” he said, adding “Ben can call me and tell me anything he wants».