Key facts
- Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's former foreign minister, is a leading candidate to be appointed ambassador to the US.
- The ambassadorial post has been vacant for several weeks.
- Other potential candidates, including former Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and Deputy President's Office Head Pavlo Palisa, have reportedly declined or expressed reluctance.
- Kuleba served as foreign minister from March 2020 until September 2024 and was a prominent figure in wartime diplomacy.
- Sources suggest Kuleba may prefer to stay in Kyiv, while Palisa also reportedly expressed unhappiness about the possibility of the appointment.
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's former foreign minister, is reportedly emerging as a leading candidate to fill the vacant ambassadorial post in Washington, according to sources familiar with the matter. The position has been open for several weeks, with initial plans to appoint former Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko falling through after she declined the offer.
Kuleba, who served as foreign minister from March 2020 until his resignation in September 2024, became a prominent figure in Ukraine's wartime diplomacy, frequently appealing for Western military aid. Officials believe his visibility and experience make him a suitable candidate to represent Ukraine in the US. However, his willingness to accept the role is uncertain, with one source suggesting he prefers to remain in Kyiv.
Another individual considered for the post was Deputy President's Office Head Pavlo Palisa, who has gained recognition in Washington and was even praised by US President Donald Trump. However, Palisa also reportedly expressed reservations about the potential appointment.
With no clear timeline for a decision, one of Ukraine's most critical diplomatic positions remains unfilled. Kuleba's potential appointment would mark his return to a central role in US-Ukraine relations following his departure from the Foreign Ministry.