President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed with American leader Donald Trump to replace the Ukrainian ambassador in Washington Oksana Markarova. This happened against the backdrop of a major cabinet reshuffle expected next week, reports the Financial Times citing its sources.
Official Kyiv and Washington held consultations regarding candidates for the ambassador position, among which the leaders' priorities hold significant importance. Zelensky's main goal is to find a 'good negotiator' who would be acceptable both to the White House and the U.S. Congress.
Potential candidates to replace Markarova
- Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal
- Vice Prime Minister for European Integration Olha Stefanishyna
- Defense Minister Rustem Umerov
- Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko
- Minister of Culture Mykola Tochitsky
- Deputy Head of the President's Office Ihor Zhovkva
Zelensky plans to restructure his cabinet next week, responding to growing discontent with the government and the need for changes. A significant role in this is attributed to the powerful head of the president's office Andriy Yermak, who intends to strengthen his control over the government.