The Foreign Ministry has recalled Ukraine’s honorary consul in the Dominican Republic following an investigation

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that, following public outcry over the appointment of an honorary consul in the Dominican Republic, a further investigation was carried out. As a result, Viktoria Yakymova’s appointment has been revoked. A decision has also been taken to recall Ukraine’s ambassador to Cuba to the capital, according to Ukrinform.

The ministry emphasised that honorary consuls, unlike regular consuls, are not employees of the diplomatic service, are not in public service and do not receive funding from the state budget. They do not perform the functions of political representation of Ukraine.

The institution of honorary consuls provides for voluntary assistance to the diplomatic system in a narrow range of consular matters, primarily in the sphere of consular protection for Ukrainian citizens. Such individuals are mostly foreign nationals and reside permanently in the respective countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that during the selection of Viktoria Yakymova’s candidacy, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Cuba followed the established criteria. The nomination included information on her long-term residence in the country, her Ukrainian and foreign higher education, language skills, experience in government, auditing and administrative work, as well as recommendations regarding her professional qualities and activities in the development of Ukrainian-Dominican relations.

A vetting of the candidate, particularly regarding her public activities and possible links with the Russian Federation, was carried out with the involvement of the competent authorities of Ukraine. There were no objections to the appointment.

Cooperation with the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Cuba, positive feedback from the Ukrainian community in the Dominican Republic, and the candidate’s practical activities were also taken into account. These included the organisation of consular visits, events in solidarity with Ukraine, charitable initiatives, and engagement with political and cultural circles in the host country.

In February 2026, the President of the Dominican Republic granted exequatur for the operation of the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in La Romana.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that following the publication of media reports which caused a negative public reaction, a further review of the circumstances was conducted and a decision was taken to revoke the accreditation. This also takes into account the opening this year of a fully-fledged Ukrainian embassy in the Dominican Republic.

In addition, the ministry announced personnel decisions, including the return to the capital of Ukraine’s ambassador to Cuba and changes within the central administration.

The ministry stated that regulatory requirements would be tightened to improve the institution of honorary consuls. There are also plans to review the activities of all honorary consulates, based on the results of which decisions will be made regarding the advisability of their continued operation.

The office of the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in the Dominican Republic was opened on 21 March in the city of La Romana. It is headed by Viktoria Yakimova, who previously worked as a nude model and posted revealing photos on social media. Users also drew attention to photos in which she poses wearing a Russian kokoshnik.