Ukraine is preparing to change the head of the diplomatic mission in Washington. Oksana Markarova, who represents Ukraine in the United States since the spring of 2021, may in the near future. According to RBC-Ukraine, citing a source in the Presidential Office, the rotation is initiated by Bank.
According to the interlocutor, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is currently considering candidates who have a clear understanding of the American political environment and have already shown the result in negotiations with partners with the United States in war.
“These are people who do not take time to enter context. They have already worked with Americans, know the system and have trust , ”the interlocutor said.
Whom they view as a successor
Among the candidates for the post of Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States:
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Denis Shmigal, Prime Minister of Ukraine. One of the main persons involved in negotiations with Washington on macro -financial assistance and the restoration of the power system.
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Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defense. It has deep contacts with the Pentagon and NATO, in particular in arms supply.
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Olga Stefanyshyn, Viceremer in European Integration. She 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 its involvement in energy security negotiations and the situation around the Zaporizhzhya NPP.
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Igor Zhovkva, Deputy Chairman of the OP on international issues. He has a deep examination in foreign policy, previously smoked foreign policy in OP.
Also, according to sources, former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has already received a proposal to occupy this position, but refused.
Causes of change
Although formally referred to the rotation of the personnel, the internal political context gives another interpretation. In particular, Oksana Markarova was criticized after organizing President Zelensky's visit to Pennsylvania - a state that is important for the US presidential race. This step, according to sources, caused irritation in part of the republican circles.
Bankova decided that it is advisable to replace the representative of Ukraine in Washington with a person with the best communication channels in both parties.
The new ambassador is expected to start duties in July 2025.
There will also be a replacement in the US. The Bridjit Bryjit Emboste is completing his cadence, and among the contenders in her place is considered by Christopher Smith, a diplomat with experience in the Eastern European region.
