Media: Zelenskyy eyes Defence Minister Umerov as ambassador to US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is reportedly considering Defence Minister Rustem Umerov as the top candidate to become Ukraine’s next ambassador to the United States, according to sources cited by Suspilne.

Umerov is currently seen as the leading — and so far only — contender for the high-profile diplomatic post in Washington, a key position as Ukraine continues to seek robust Western support amid ongoing Russian aggression.

A source within the Office of the President indicated that if Umerov is appointed ambassador, his successor as Minister of Defence will likely come from among current government officials. The source also noted that further changes within the Cabinet would depend on who takes over the Defence Ministry.

The report comes just days after Zelenskyy, on July 10, confirmed plans to replace Ukraine’s current ambassador to the United States.