At a time when Ukraine's territorial integrity, security guarantees and the very survival of the country are in question, Zelensky has decided not to entrust this historic responsibility to one of Ukraine's many experienced and credible diplomats. Instead, in the same disturbing pattern as before, he entrusted this delicate task to a former associate of Yermak.
This decision states disturbing prioritization of personal loyalty over professional competence precisely at the moment when Ukraine can least afford such leniency.
Umerov's choice is particularly surprising considering cloud allegations of corruptionwhich currently surrounds Yermakhis associates and other people, which date back to the times when Umerov served as Minister of Defense.
Additionally, in September, the Anti-Corruption Action Center, a Ukrainian non-governmental organization, published a report stating that Umerov's family owned eight luxury properties in the United States, but he reported only three of them. Dissatisfied with his explanation, the center called for further investigation.
In short, Umerov remains entangled in a web of cronyismwhich undermines Ukraine's credibility in the international arena.
Is this the image Ukraine wants to present during the most important negotiations in its modern history? Should diplomats who sit across from U.S. officials — and potentially Russian officials — be led by someone who could be accused of corruption?
Effective diplomacy requires trust, credibility and moral authority. Umierov's difficult situation threatens all these elements. Ukraine has diplomats of true international caliber, but for some reason Zelensky systematically overlooks or fires them.
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Are we to believe that Umerov is better qualified to lead such an important delegation than former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who for some reason resigned from his post in September 2024 after several years of effective work in his position? And why is the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiha, not leading the team or even being a member of it?
What are top diplomats, including foreign ministers, for if not to manage their country's most important diplomatic missions?
Former Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, who led Ukraine through brutal diplomatic challenges from 2014 to 2019, is now commenting on the situation from the sidelines. Vadym Prystaiko, who served as foreign minister and ambassador to Britain, was fired in 2023 for his subtle but public criticism of Zelensky's “unhealthy sarcasm,” which raised eyebrows in London.
Even within the current delegation, there are better options.
“Appoint a buddy instead of a real diplomat”
Take, for example, Serhiy Kyslytsa, who served as Ukraine's ambassador to the UN from 2020 to 2024. The diplomat became one of Ukraine's most recognizable and effective voices on the international stage, delivering moving speeches at the UN Security Council that mobilized international public opinion against Russia's aggression.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR), is a member of the team but does not lead it. Budanov has earned international respect for his strategic acumen, accurate assessment of Russia's capabilities and intentions, and credibility in the eyes of Western intelligence services. If Zelensky felt forced to choose someone from the security circles instead of the diplomatic corps, Budanov would be a much more justified choice than Umerov.
Ukraine has a Ministry of Foreign Affairs staffed by professional diplomats who have spent decades perfecting the art of negotiation, building relationships with foreign partners and representing Ukrainian interests abroad. However, Zelensky he repeatedly bypassed these professionals in favor of personal confidants and loyal politicians.
Volodymyr Zelensky and Andriy Yermak in Kiev, July 22, 2025.TELEGRAM/V_Zelenskiy_official / HANDOUT / Getty Images
It's a solution straight out of the Trump playbook: appoint your real estate buddy as a peace envoy instead of real diplomats. Steve Witkoff – a real estate developer and golfing partner of the US president with no diplomatic experience – will negotiate Ukraine's future with Umerov. Both leaders, facing existential diplomatic challenges, chose cronies over professionals.
Both Ukraine and the United States must do better. Professional diplomacy exists for a reason. The foreign service, with its institutional memory, specialized knowledge and commitment to national interests above personal loyalty, is one of the most important tools any country has. Bypassing career diplomats in favor of the president's favorites is not just bad management; in such circumstances it borders on national self-destruction.
The world is watching the current negotiations between the United States and Ukraine with great interest. By choosing Umerov over Kyslytsa, Budanov or people such as Prystaiko, Klimkin, or even Ukraine's impressive representative at the UN, Andriy Melnyk, Zelensky is not providing himself and the Ukrainian negotiators with the best conditions.
What is needed at this moment is perfection. Not only in terms of providing top-class representatives and negotiators, but also people managing the country's internal affairs, especially its security and economy, and limiting corruption.
President Zelensky may still change his approach and choose professionalism and competence over personal connections and favors. The future of Ukraine depends on it. The credibility of leaders at home and abroad is at stake.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
