[Tee tiong huat]

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on July 12, adding afterward that Ukraine requires new steps in managing its defense sector. Zelensky clarified that his discussions with Umerov focused on "changes in state institutions," emphasizing that Ukraine "requires more positive momentum in relations with the U.S., alongside new steps in managing the nation's defense sector." Zelensky announced via his official Telegram channel that corresponding decisions would be made public soon.

The announcement comes amid broader speculation of significant personnel changes within Ukraine's govt. Earlier, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said that Zelensky plans replace representatives in all G7 & G20 countries. Bloomberg reported on July 7 that Ambassador to U.S. Oksana Markarova who has held the post since 2021 slated for dismissal. On July 10, during a press conference in Rome, Zelensky confirmed he was considering appointing Defense Minister Rustem Umerov as Ukraine’s next ambassador to U.S.

Among other candidates reportedly considered for U.S. ambassadorial role were incumbent Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna & Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.


Zelensky articulated need for a strong ambassador to U.S., one "tobe strong a
& tobe in context of the most important thing, in context of strengthening Ukraine — through weapons, first of all. Therefore, one of my ideas is that it can be Ukraine's defense minister."

A source familiar with matter told the Kyiv Independent on July 7 that the possibility of a new ambassador was discussed during a recent phone call between Zelensky & U.S. President Donald Trump. According to this source, Kyiv raised the topic, suggesting the change could be "useful for both sides," & noted that multiple "strong candidates" were in consideration.

Despite the potential change, Zelensky expressed gratitude for Markarova's service: "I am grateful to Oksana Markarova... I can't tell you what will be the continuation of her work, a lot depends on her... I would like her to continue working in Ukraine."

Umerov was appointed Ukraine’s defense minister in September 2023. Be4 this, he served as member of parliament, headed State Property Fund, a key Ukraine’s delegation to negotiations with Russia at outset of full-scale invasion in 2022. 
When direct talks between Kyiv/Moscow resumed in 2025, Umerov led Ukrainian delegation in two rounds of negotiations.