[Jimbuna]

Ukraine's outspoken ambassador in Berlin has sharply criticised Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz for not yet visiting Kyiv in a show of support, unlike a number of other European leaders.

Scholz indicated on Monday night that he wouldn't visit the Ukrainian capital until German President Frank-Walter Steinmeiner had gone there.

Ukraine rejected the offer of a visit from Steinmeier last month, in what was widely seen at the time as a snub.

"Acting like a sulky liver sausage doesn't sound very statesmanlike," Ukrainian ambassador Andriy Melnyk told the German press agency. "This is about the most brutal war of extermination since the Nazi attack on Ukraine - it's no kindergarten."

Melnyk has ruffled feathers in Germany, repeatedly criticising the chancellor's centre-left Social Democrats for years of close ties to Russia.

Scholz denied responding hesitantly to Russia's invasion: "I've always made quick decisions, in tandem with everyone else... but my line is that we act in a level-headed and prudent manner."