Zelenskyy Wants to See Svyrydenko as Ambassador to the U.S. — FT
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to search for a new Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. According to the Financial Times, former Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko remains the leading candidate; the publication reports that efforts are underway to persuade her to accept the position.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is trying to persuade former Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to head the Ukrainian embassy in the U.S. However, Svyrydenko herself has previously turned down this offer.
According to the publication, Zelenskyy is still searching for a new Ukrainian ambassador to Washington. Among all the possible candidates, Svyrydenko—who stepped down as prime minister during recent government reshuffles—remains the leading contender.
As sources told the FT, the president’s representatives continue to try to persuade her to accept the post in the U.S. “People close to the president have said that he is still trying to persuade her to take the post, which is becoming crucial at a decisive moment in the war and in relations with the Trump administration,” writes the Financial Times.
Why the position of ambassador to the U.S. is important
The Ukrainian ambassador to the United States holds one of the most important diplomatic posts for Kyiv. It is through this mission that a significant portion of contacts with the U.S. government takes place, particularly regarding military aid, sanctions policy, and support for Ukraine during the war. Ukraine is currently searching for a new ambassador following the conclusion of the previous representative’s term in Washington.
Yulia Svyrydenko previously served as head of the Ukrainian government and, prior to that, held the positions of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy. No final decision on the new ambassador to the U.S. has been announced yet. The Financial Times reports this, citing sources familiar with the situation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is reportedly considering replacing Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing a senior official in the Office of the President whose name has not been disclosed.
