Zelenskyy signals government reshuffle, eyes Umerov for U.S. ambassador post

He made this statement at the International Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) in Rome.

Zelenskyy confirmed the dismissal of Oksana Markarova from the post of ambassador to the U.S. and raised the possibility of appointing Umerov.

“If I decide, and this will be in the near future, that Rustem Umerov will represent Ukraine in the United States — that is, he will be our key ambassador — this will certainly lead to serious reshuffles in the Ukrainian government,” the president said.

Zelenskyy stressed that “a lot” depends on the Ministry of Defense and said it is crucial for Ukraine to strengthen ties with the United States. He explained that he suggested Umerov for the post because it requires a strong figure who can bolster Ukraine, especially its military, on key issues.

• On July 8, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed the replacement of Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova.