Shmyhal seen as top pick for Ukrainian Ambassador to US role - Political rationale revealed
Photo: Denys Shmyhal and Oksana Markarova (Getty Images)
The replacement of Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, is a completely logical step, especially against the backdrop of the change in administration in Washington, stated political scientist and international affairs expert Maksym Nesvitailov in a comment to RBC-Ukraine’s YouTube channel.
According to him, replacing ambassadors following a change in leadership is a common practice.
"I was actually surprised it didn’t happen immediately after Donald Trump’s victory. It’s often done so that a new ambassador can build relationships with the new administration from a fresh perspective and without bias," he explained.
Among the factors that could push for a replacement are reportedly the tense relations between Markarova and the Republicans during the US election campaign. Although she was never formally accused of any wrongdoing, Republicans accused her of interfering in the election, in particular House Speaker Mike Johnson.
At the same time, Nesvitailov acknowledged Markarova’s professionalism: she has done a great deal for US-Ukrainian relations and is a strong diplomat. Nevertheless, despite the logical reasoning for a replacement, she still holds the position, even though Trump has been President for six months now.
"It’s possible this was discussed between Zelenskyy and Trump," the expert noted.
Who is the leading candidate
The leading candidate for the position of ambassador to the United States, according to Nesvitailov, is the current Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal. According to sources close to the ruling circles, the possibility of Shmyhal’s appointment is being considered as part of an internal political reshuffle. He is not being removed due to any failures, but rather because of his close ties to the head of the Servant of the People faction, Davyd Arakhamia, with whom, according to rumors, the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, has strained relations.
"There’s no reason to punish Shmyhal — he did his job, didn’t cause conflicts, didn’t draw attention. However, he should be dismissed. So they came up with this honorable position — ambassador to the US," the source added.
Given that other key diplomatic posts, such as the UK and Germany, are already filled, the post of US Ambassador could be a logical next step for the Prime Minister.
In Nesvitailov’s view, this potential reshuffle is unlikely to be aimed at resetting US-Ukrainian relations.
"It is no longer about diplomacy or institutional relations. It is about politics and backroom decisions," he concluded.
What came before
According to RBC-Ukraine sources, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing to replace Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States. Among the candidates are individuals who have already engaged with American officials and delivered tangible results.
Read more in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Zelenskyy discussed replacing the current ambassador during his July 4 phone call with President Donald Trump. The agency listed the same candidates for the post.
For reference, Oksana Markarova has served as Ukraine’s Ambassador to the US since February 2021. She was Ukraine’s Finance Minister from June 2018 to March 2020.
