Ukrainian Ambassador to Oman Faces Criticism Over Dress Code

Olga Selikh, Ukraine’s ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, is facing scrutiny after images circulated showing her wearing attire some critics deem inappropriate for official events in the conservative Gulf region. The controversy has reignited questions about her appointment, which initially drew criticism due to her lack of prior diplomatic experience.

Dress Code Controversy

Photographs published on the Ukrainian Embassy in Oman’s Facebook page depicted Ambassador Selikh greeting Arab diplomats in what some observers described as revealing clothing – tight pants and an open blouse. Critics argue this attire is disrespectful to the cultural norms of Oman and Saudi Arabia, where conservative dress is customary, particularly during official functions. UA News reported on the backlash, noting concerns that the ambassador’s appearance could hinder diplomatic efforts.

Some Ukrainian journalists expressed strong disapproval. Marina Danylyuk-Yarmolaeva suggested the outfit undermined Ukraine’s interests, particularly in securing support for drone technology, stating, “instead of having normal business conversations…we are represented by some ladies of the demimonde wearing butt-tight pants.” UA News

Lyubov Velichko sarcastically commented on the situation, referencing a previous photograph of Selikh with camels, implying a lack of seriousness in her approach to the diplomatic role. UA News

The Ukrainian Embassy in Oman defended the ambassador, stating that the meeting aimed to “strengthen friendly relations, mutual respect and cooperation” between Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. But, the original photograph has since been removed from Ambassador Selikh’s social media page.

Ambassador Selikh’s Background and Appointment

Olga Selikh was appointed as Ukraine’s ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Sultanate of Oman by President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2025. Open4Business reported on the appointment.

Her appointment was met with initial criticism due to her lack of diplomatic experience. Prior to her ambassadorship, Selikh held various positions in business, including general director of Kyiv Invest-Bud LLC and roles in several other companies. UA News details her business background.

Selikh defended her qualifications, emphasizing her experience in international economics, jurisprudence, business management, and human rights advocacy, calling it “practical diplomacy.”

She is the first resident ambassador of Ukraine to Oman. The Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman acknowledges her role as ambassador.

Oman-Ukraine Relations

The Sultanate of Oman maintains diplomatic relations with Ukraine. The Foreign Ministry of Oman is responsible for directing the Sultanate’s relationships with other countries. The Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman

In October 2023, Oman’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Abdusalom Khatamov, met with Selikh, marking her arrival as the first resident ambassador of Ukraine to Oman. The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Sultanate of Oman reported on this meeting.