Ukraine is preparing to change the head of its diplomatic mission in Washington. The current ambassador, Oksana Markarova, who has represented Ukraine in the United States since spring 2021, may leave her post in the near future. As RBC-Ukraine reports, citing a source in the President's Office, the rotation was initiated by Bankova.
According to the interlocutor, President Volodymyr Zelensky is currently considering candidates who have a clear understanding of the American political environment and have already shown results in negotiations with US partners in wartime.
"These are people who don't need time to get into the context. They have already worked with the Americans, know the system, and have trust ," the interlocutor emphasized.
Who is considered as the successor?
Among the candidates for the position of Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States:
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Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine. One of the main figures in negotiations with Washington on macro-financial assistance and restoration of the energy system.
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Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defense. Has deep contacts with the Pentagon and NATO, particularly on issues of arms supply.
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Olga Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration. Participated in key meetings with American diplomats within the framework of Ukraine's integration processes.
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Herman Galushchenko, Minister of Energy. Known for his involvement in negotiations on energy security and the situation around the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
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Igor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office for International Affairs. Has deep expertise in foreign policy, previously oversaw the foreign policy direction in the Office.
Also, according to sources, former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba had already received an offer to take up this position, but refused.
Reasons for change
Although formally it is about personnel rotation, the domestic political context gives a different interpretation. In particular, Oksana Markarova came under criticism after organizing President Zelenskyy's visit to Pennsylvania, a state important for the American presidential race. This move, according to sources, caused irritation in some Republican circles.
At Bankova, they decided that it would be advisable to replace Ukraine's representative in Washington with a person with better communication channels in both parties.
The new ambassador is expected to take up his duties in July 2025.
There will also be a replacement in the United States. Ambassador Bridget Brink is completing her term, and among the candidates considered for her place is Christopher Smith, a diplomat with experience in the Eastern European region.
