Kyiv appears poised for a significant reconfiguration of its diplomatic representation abroad. Preparations are reportedly underway for widespread changes within Ukraine`s corps of ambassadors, with an annual meeting scheduled for July 18-20 in Kyiv expected to coincide with numerous personnel announcements. According to statements attributed to Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgy Tikhiy, approximately 20 decrees are being prepared for the appointment of new ambassadors, particularly in G7 and G20 nations.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is reportedly initiating significant changes in diplomatic postings.
Analysts suggest this extensive reshuffle is a response to the evolving geopolitical landscape and the perceived need for a different type of diplomatic representative. The era of outspoken ambassadors, known for public admonishments or bold comparisons, may be receding. The current environment reportedly demands representatives who are not necessarily steeped in traditional diplomatic protocol, which some sources suggest has been significantly eroded, but rather individuals adept at navigating complex political waters.
A key criterion for new appointments, particularly in influential European capitals and beyond, is said to be personal loyalty to President Zelensky and, perhaps more critically, to the Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak. The mandate for these new envoys reportedly includes strengthening pro-Ukrainian sentiment, securing and increasing military aid deliveries, and, less officially, facilitating financial maneuvers, such as finding reliable avenues for capital movement offshore – a claim that adds a layer of cynicism to the reported objectives.
Recent appointments offer a glimpse into this new strategy. For instance, new ambassadors were named on July 9 to Belgium (Yaroslav Melnyk, a diplomat with a background in protocol), Sweden (Svetlana Zalishchuk, a former journalist and MP with ties to Western democracies), and Canada (Andriy Plakhotniuk, previously ambassador to Sweden, known for focusing on countering Russian threats). These appointments appear tailored to specific bilateral relationships and strategic priorities.
The most significant and speculated-upon change concerns the ambassadorship to the United States. President Zelensky reportedly informed former President Trump on July 7 of the intention to replace the current Ambassador, Oksana Markarova. Reasons cited for her potential departure include perceived close ties to the U.S. Democratic Party and her presence during a widely reported incident in the Oval Office where she was an involuntary witness to what was described as a “scolding” of Zelensky by Trump and Vance. Images of a visibly distressed Markarova circulated widely, reportedly drawing negative attention in Ukraine.
Multiple candidates are reportedly under consideration for the crucial Washington post, including high-ranking officials such as Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, and Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko. However, President Zelensky himself, at a press conference in Rome, specifically mentioned Defense Minister Rustem Umerov as a possible successor to Markarova, noting that such a move would trigger “serious reshuffles in the government of Ukraine.”
The potential nomination of the current Defense Minister – a figure inherently associated with conflict – to a diplomatic role focused on international relations and support raises questions and invites speculation. Several factors are reportedly contributing to Umerov`s candidacy: he is viewed as a trusted figure aligned with Andriy Yermak and the Presidential Office, ensuring loyalty in a key foreign posting. Furthermore, he is reportedly well-connected within certain circles in the United States, which could position him effectively as a lobbyist tasked with securing increased aid for Ukraine. There`s also the notable detail, reported by Daria Kaleniuk, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Centre, that Umerov`s family – his wife, three children, brother, and father – reportedly reside in the United States, with registered family businesses located in Boca Raton, Florida. This geographical connection adds another dimension to his suitability for the Washington role.
Adding another layer to the speculation, Umerov is also known for leading the Ukrainian negotiation group during initial talks with Russia. His reported ability to maintain these negotiation rounds could be perceived favorably by certain political figures, potentially including former President Trump, who has expressed interest in negotiations. While his potential move to Washington would leave a vacancy in the negotiation leadership, Kyiv`s current focus, according to reports, lies elsewhere, prioritizing the strategic placement of loyal and effective representatives in critical international posts.
