Stefanishyna may become Ukraine's ambassador to US, Umerov will have another task - source

As of the morning of July 17, the most likely candidate for the post of Ukrainian ambassador to the United States is Acting Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna. Kyiv is awaiting a preliminary response to her candidacy from the American side, according to informed sources at RBC-Ukraine.

According to the source, Acting Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, who was previously named the leading contender for the post of Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, may focus on the role of negotiator, as he remains the head of the negotiating team with Russia within the Istanbul format.

The appointment of a new Ukrainian ambassador to the US will likely take some time due to the need to go through all the necessary procedures. Meanwhile, Stefanyishyna notes on her Facebook page that she will devote more time to her family over the next few months.

Change of government

Changes in the Ukrainian government are expected this week:

• on July 14, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko the position of prime minister. At the same time, the current head of government, Denys Shmyhal, may head the Ministry of Defense;
• the merger of three ministries is expected: the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, and the Ministry of Ecology.
• Svitlana Hrynychuk may head the Ministry of Energy. At the same time, the Ministry of Ecology may be liquidated.
• the position of Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers and others may be eliminated.

However, a number of departments will remain unchanged.