New Acting U.S. Envoy Named for Ukraine
Paul Houston Takes On a New Role in Kyiv
According to Рубрика — Політика: Paul Houston began his assignment as acting U.S. chargé d'affaires in Ukraine on August 23, 2026. His first official appearance in that capacity was at the National Prayer Breakfast marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. The event gave him a symbolic opening for his mission in Kyiv, where he intends to focus on religious freedom and peace. A chargé d'affaires serves as the senior U.S. diplomat in a country when no ambassador is in place.
What Houston Brings to the Post
Houston is a career diplomat of senior rank with the title of Minister-Counselor. Before Ukraine, he was acting chargé d'affaires in Niamey, the capital of Niger. His résumé also includes service as:
- First Deputy Assistant Secretary;
- Deputy Assistant Secretary for Investigations and Threat Analysis at the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security;
- U.S. diplomatic postings in Germany, Jordan, Haiti, and Serbia;
- work at the U.S. Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.
Houston's predecessor in Kyiv, Sandra Audkirk, began her tenure as acting chargée on July 17, 2026. The diplomat before her, Julie Davis, finished her assignment at the end of June after differences with the Trump administration. In April 2025, Ambassador Bridget Brink also left her post as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, saying her departure was connected to the foreign policy approach of the Trump administration.
"Religious freedom is one of America's foundational liberties. It is also a real and necessary basis for peace. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence this year, I felt honored to begin my work in Kyiv by recognizing religious freedom at Ukraine's National Prayer Breakfast." Paul Houston
The appointment marks a significant moment in U.S.-Ukrainian relations, especially in efforts to support religious freedom and peace in the region. It also shows that American diplomacy in Ukraine remains consistent, with Washington still treating Kyiv as an important partner as the country deals with international challenges.
"I look forward to working to promote freedom and peace in my capacity as acting chargé d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv." Paul Houston
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