This post became vacant when Olha Stefanishyna resigned a few weeks ago, as a corruption investigation continued.
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially planned to send recently dismissed Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to Washington, but she rejected the offer, forcing the presidential administration to look for another candidate.
Now, sources name D. Kuleba as a possible candidate for this position, although it is still unclear whether he will agree to take the post.
D. Kuleba served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from March 2020 until his resignation in September 2024. As the youngest foreign minister in Ukraine’s history, he became one of the country’s most recognizable faces abroad after Russia launched a full-scale invasion in 2022.
He particularly distinguished himself in Ukraine’s wartime diplomatic efforts, repeatedly and often decisively urging Western governments to supply Kyiv with weapons. This experience is now one of the reasons why Ukrainian officials believe he would be an excellent fit for the post in Washington.
“Ukraine needs someone who would appeal to the American public (…), who would appear on television, speak, and meet with representatives of analytical centers,” said one informed source.
However, it remains unclear whether D. Kuleba actually wants this job, with one source stating that D. Kuleba “wants to stay in Kyiv.”
The Kyiv Independent reached out to D. Kuleba for comment but has not yet received a response.
D. Kuleba was removed from office in 2024 when then-head of the presidential administration Andriy Yermak expanded his influence in foreign policy.
Another possible candidate – Pavlo Palisa
D. Kuleba is not the only candidate being considered for the ambassadorial post in Washington.
According to informed sources, V. Zelenskyy is also considering appointing Pavlo Palisa, deputy head of the presidential administration and former military commander, to the position.
P. Palisa has become an important figure in V. Zelenskyy’s team, primarily coordinating the work of the presidential administration with the Ukrainian military command.
This role has also earned him recognition in Washington. In June, at the 2026 NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump praised P. Palisa.
“He is one of my favorite soldiers,” D. Trump said then.
According to people close to V. Zelenskyy, the president believes that P. Palisa plays an important role in his administration’s work, especially when it comes to coordination with military commanders.
One informed source stated that he is “not very happy” about the possible appointment as ambassador to Washington.
There is no clear appointment deadline yet, so one of Ukraine’s most important diplomatic posts remains vacant.
