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President Volodymyr Zelensky is trying to persuade former Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko to become Ukraine's next ambassador to the United States, with the position seen as critical for Kyiv's ties with President Donald Trump's administration, the Financial Times reported, citing sources close to the president.
According to the report, Svyrydenko is Zelensky's preferred candidate for the post, and discussions are ongoing despite her reported reluctance to accept the appointment.
Ukraine's parliament dismissed Svyrydenko and her government on July 14. She later said the resignation was part of a planned government reshuffle ahead of what is expected to be a difficult winter.
According to Ukrainian media reports, the search for a new ambassador accelerated after reports that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) was preparing charges against Ukraine's current ambassador to the US, Olha Stefanishyna. Svyrydenko, who is viewed positively by Western partners, has emerged as the leading candidate, although media reports say she is opposed to taking the role.
