Arrival of a new Russian Ambassador Mikhail Zurabov in Ukraine might escalate into a diplomatic scandal.

Ukrainian President Secretariat intends to recommend the foreign ministry not accepting the copies of credentials from Zurabov, as according to official Kiev it does not say President’s name, Russian Kommersant daily reports. If foreign office takes this recommendation on board, new Russian ambassador will be unable to assume his duties.

“The document is addressed to ‘His excellency, President of Ukraine’, however his name and surname are not mentioned,” Russian foreign ministry source told the daily.

It is quite possible that Kremlin will have to put off again Zurabovs arrival or the latter will have to come to Kiev as a private individual and serve within 1-2 months as a special representative of RF President on trade-economic ties’ development without status of a diplomatic mission head, the daily reads

This Tuesday, RF President Dmitry Medvedev instructed Zurabov to leave for Ukraine. To present, he performs Ambassador’s duties residing in Moscow (appointment was 4 months ago). According to Interfax, diplomat will lave for Ukraine next week.

A.G.