Potential obstacle in Ukraine's ex-defense minister's nomination for US ambassadorship
In a recent turn of events, two key figures in Ukraine's government have emerged as the leading contenders for the position of ambassador to the United States. The current defense minister, Rustem Umerov, and the acting minister of justice, Olha Stefanishyna, are the frontrunners for the prestigious post[1].
Initially, reports suggested that Umerov was the frontrunner for the position[2]. However, recent developments have cast doubt on his candidacy, with Stefanishyna being touted as a potential replacement[1][2][3]. The current president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has been at the helm of these changes, having recently reshuffled his government[2].
The reshuffle saw Denys Shmyhal, the outgoing prime minister, nominated as the new defense minister, which could potentially free up Umerov for the ambassador role[2]. However, Zelensky's initial plan to appoint Umerov as ambassador faced some resistance or obstacles[2][3].
As of now, neither Umerov nor Stefanishyna has been officially appointed, with the final decision still pending within Zelensky's administration[1][2][3]. The American side has yet to respond to Stefanishyna's candidacy.
It is worth noting that Umerov's potential appointment could lead to significant reshuffles within the Cabinet of Ministers[1]. However, the article does not provide any information about these potential changes.
Moreover, Umerov's role as the head of the negotiating group with the Russians within the Istanbul format is not affected by his potential ambassador role[1]. The Istanbul format refers to a framework for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The article does not mention any new information about these negotiations.
Stefanishyna, the current candidate, has expressed her intention to spend more time with her family in the coming months, according to her Facebook page[1]. The article does not provide any additional information about the selection process for the new ambassador or any new candidate for the role of acting minister of defense.
[1] Informed sources of RBC-Ukraine [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-zelensky-replaces-defence-minister-2021-07-16/ [3] https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/zelensky-facing-resistance-to-nominating-defense-minister-umarov-as-ambassador-to-us.html
The uncertain politics surrounding the potential appointment of either Rustem Umerov or Olha Stefanishyna as Ukraine's ambassador to the United States has generated general-news interest. The current president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, is at the center of these political developments, as his decisions regarding his government have been causing shifts in the Cabinet of Ministers.
