"I just spoke with Olha Stefanishyna, the new Ukrainian ambassador to the US. The procedures have been completed, and I have signed the decree appointing the ambassador," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on 27/8.
President Zelensky said he had identified the key tasks needed to upgrade the Ukrainian embassy's operations in Washington and implement agreements reached with the US, primarily in defense.
"In many respects, ensuring Ukraine's long-term security depends on the relationship with the US," the Ukrainian leader added, expressing hope for rapid progress in bilateral relations.
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Olha Stefanishyna in Kropyvnytskyi in August 2024. Photo: Reuters |
Olha Stefanishyna in Kropyvnytskyi in August 2024. Photo: Reuters
Zelensky also thanked Oksana Markarova, who served as Ukraine's ambassador to the US since February 2021, for her contributions. He suggested that Markarova continue working in the government but didn't mention a potential position.
The Kyiv Independent, citing informed sources, reported that President Zelensky mentioned the possibility of replacing the Ukrainian ambassador to the US in a phone call with President Donald Trump on 4/7. Zelensky considered this change "beneficial for both sides," and several promising candidates were under consideration, according to the source.
Zelensky then considered several potential candidates for the position, including Stefanishyna, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.
In July, the Ukrainian president stated that Kyiv "needs a strong person involved in efforts to strengthen Ukraine through weapons, the most important issue now," and considered appointing Umerov as ambassador to the US. It remains unclear why Zelensky changed his decision.
Stefanishyna, 39, was appointed last month by the Ukrainian president as a special envoy for developing cooperation with the US until the necessary procedures for becoming the Ukrainian ambassador to the US were completed.
The female politician previously served as deputy prime minister for European integration. Stefanishyna is considered a key figure in Ukraine's aspirations to join the European Union (EU).
Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters, AA, Kyiv Post)
