Zelenskiy: one of the proposals is that Ukrainian defense minister Umerov could become new ambassador to U.S.

Zelenskiy: one of the proposals is that Ukrainian defense minister Umerov could become new ambassador to U.S.

Title: Zelenskyy's Diplomatic Shuffle: Potential New U.S. Ambassador from Ukraine's Defense Ministry

In a significant diplomatic move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans to replace Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States. This move, part of a broader reshuffle, aims to strengthen ties with the Trump administration. The recall of Oksana Markarova, who has been serving as Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S. for the past four years, comes amid critical moments in the ongoing war with Russia [1].

Markarova, described as "extremely effective, charismatic, and one of our most successful ambassadors" by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, has faced criticism from leading Republicans, including U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson [1]. The ambassador was accused of supporting the Democratic Party and Kamala Harris during the 2022 presidential election. Additionally, her organization of a visit to a shell factory in Pennsylvania last September, without inviting any Republican officials, further fueled the criticism [1].

Zelenskyy and Trump discussed Markarova’s departure during a phone call last Friday, which Zelenskyy hailed as the most constructive to date [1]. The diplomatic reshuffle coincides with a critical moment in the war, as Russian troops are advancing rapidly across a 600-mile frontline [1].

One of the potential successors to Markarova in Washington is Igor Zhovka, the deputy head of the office of Ukraine’s president. Another candidate is Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s defense minister. Umerov’s appointment could signal a shift in diplomatic strategy, aligning Ukraine’s defense and diplomatic efforts more closely [1].

The reshuffle also comes as Ukraine faces increasing pressure from Russia. On Tuesday, Russia launched its largest aerial attack since the start of its full-scale invasion in February 2022, involving 728 Shahed drones and 13 cruise and ballistic missiles [1]. The attack targeted the northwestern city of Lutsk, resulting in at least six civilian deaths and 39 injuries across several regions [1].

In a separate development, Zelenskyy met with Pope Francis in Rome on Wednesday, ahead of a two-day international conference aimed at aiding Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. The meeting discussed the return of Ukrainian children and civilians abducted by Russia and the Vatican’s offer to facilitate peace negotiations [1].

The diplomatic reshuffle and potential appointment of Umerov as ambassador reflect a strategic pivot by Zelenskyy, aiming to strengthen ties with the Trump administration and secure critical support for Ukraine’s defense efforts. The move also underscores the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Ukraine relations in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions [1].

References
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/09/zelenskyy-replace-ukraine-envoy-us-diplomatic-shuffle-trump-markarova
[2] https://open4business.com.ua/en/zelensky-to-replace-ukraines-ambassador-to-us-as-part-of-diplomatic-reshuffle/