Ukraine plans to replace its Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, to strengthen ties with Republican lawmakers, sources in the President’s Office have told Euromaidan Press. According to these sources, her successor will be someone who has already demonstrated strong Republican connections and experience bringing GOP delegations to Ukraine.
The ambassadorial change gains urgency following Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, as Ukraine seeks to maintain the best possible relationships with Republicans who will control both the White House and Congress.
“A list of candidates has already been prepared,” the source said, denying that Ukraine’s former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is among them.
The move comes a month after controversy erupted over President Zelenskyy’s visit to a Pennsylvania ammunition factory. His public thanks to “President Biden, Congress, and factory workers” drew Republican criticism. GOP leaders viewed the visit as potential election interference and launched a congressional investigation. House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote to President Zelenskyy demanding Markarova’s dismissal, claiming she orchestrated the visit.
While Markarova likely wasn’t the initiator of the visit, which would have required US government approval, the controversy has left its mark.
Markarova has served as ambassador since 2021.
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