Zelenskyy considers naming PM Shmyhal as ambassador to Washington — source

Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (president.gov.ua)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing to replace the ambassador to the United States. Among the candidates are people who have already been in contact with the Americans and have produced results, an informed source told RBC-Ukraine.

"Zelenskyy discussed the need to replace the ambassador and what he proposes to replace so that our new ambassador would be understandable to America," the source said.

Oksana Markarova may be replaced as ambassador to Washington by either:

• Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal,

• Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna,

• Defense Minister Rustem Umerov,

• Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.

"The president chose these people because they are people who have already been in contact with the Americans and other strong partners and have produced results. And the level corresponds to the level of relations with America," the source said.

Bloomberg reported earlier that Zelenskyy discussed replacing the current ambassador to the United States during his July 4 phone call with President Donald Trump. The agency named the same candidates for the ambassador post.

Нагадаємо: Зеленський звільнить Шмигаля? Чому в Україні знову заговорили про зміну уряду.