Zelenskyy meets with US ambassador Markarova over her departure from the post - sources
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, held a conversation during which they discussed a personnel matter.
This was reported to RBC-Ukraine by sources familiar with the discussion.
According to the sources, President Zelenskyy informed Markarova of his intention to rotate the US ambassador.
The source added that Zelenskyy offered Markarova a position to stay on the team after the rotation.
No further details of the conversation were disclosed.
Ukraine prepares to replace its ambassador to the US
Previously, RBC-Ukraine reported on expected personnel changes not only within the Ukrainian government but also in the diplomatic corps.
It was reported that Ambassador Oksana Markarova would almost certainly be ending her term in the US, partly due to strained relations with the new Donald Trump administration.
"At first, there was a plan to appoint Rustem Umerov to replace Markarova, as he is viewed very positively by Trump's current team. However, his strengths are also needed in his current role. So, as I understand it, they decided to abandon that idea," one government source told RBC-Ukraine.
According to RBC-Ukraine, another option being considered by the President's Office is to appoint current Culture Minister Mykola Tochytskyi as ambassador to the US, who is reportedly open to returning to diplomatic work.
Later, other candidates were also mentioned as potential replacements for Markarova - Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.
"The president chose these people because they've already had contact with the Americans and other key partners, achieved results, and are suited to the level of Ukraine-US relations," the sources noted.
It’s also worth mentioning that Bloomberg reported President Zelenskyy had already discussed replacing the current ambassador during a phone call with President Trump on July 4.
Markarova has served as Ukraine's ambassador to the US since February 2021. She maintained strong working relations with the previous administration of former President Joe Biden.
However, criticism from Republicans toward Markarova began even before Trump officially returned to the White House.
In September 2024, House Speaker Mike Johnson called for Markarova's dismissal, nearly accusing her of interfering in the US presidential election.
