Ukrainian MP says Washington disapproves of Umerov's candidacy as ambassador to US

Ukraine's Acting Defence Minister Rustem Umerov will remain in the country after Washington refused to approve his appointment as ambassador to the United States, as revealed by Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak on his Telegram channel. 

Instead, Olha Stefanishyna, Acting Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice, will take the ambassadorial post, Zhelezniak said, explaining the unexpected change in Kyiv’s plans, Caliber.Az informs.

“Olha Stefanishyna goes to the US as ambassador. Rustem Umerov remains in Ukraine, will go to the NSDC (National Security and Defense Council — ed.). Though it’s still unclear whether he’ll become secretary or deputy. I was told the reason is Washington’s refusal to approve his candidacy,” he wrote.

Umerov had been slated to transition from his role as Acting Defence Minister to the ambassadorial position following a government reshuffle. However, the lack of approval from Washington has altered these plans.

Zhelezniak also said that these plans could change again.

By Khagan Isayev