Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly agreed to replace Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, following a recent phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to the Financial Times.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, the UK-based publication said both sides are currently discussing possible successors, who would require approval from Kyiv and Washington.
Markarova, who has served in Washington since 2021, has faced criticism from some Republican figures who view her as too closely aligned with the Democratic Party. Her replacement is seen as a potential effort by Zelensky to improve ties with Trump during a politically sensitive period for Ukraine.
The move comes amid growing concerns over continued U.S. military aid to Ukraine, after Washington recently withheld previously approved arms deliveries, even as Russia continues its large-scale missile and drone attacks more than three years into the full-scale invasion.
According to insider sources, Zelensky is expected to announce Markarova’s successor next week as part of a wider cabinet reshuffle the latest in a series of government changes since the war began.
A senior Ukrainian official told the Financial Times that Zelensky wants someone who can effectively engage both the White House and Congress someone seen as a capable negotiator. Among the potential candidates are Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
Former EU diplomat in Kyiv, Balázs Jarábik, told the paper the ongoing shake-up appears aimed at managing rising political, economic, and social pressures through control and renewal, rather than signaling a shift in Ukraine’s broader strategy.
