According to sources, as of the morning of July 14, Swiridenko is not considering the position of Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States.
It is currently unclear whether this indicates a refusal to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Previously, a contact from the President’s Office claimed that the need to appoint a new ambassador to the US was the reason for Swiridenko’s resignation. However, the Financial Times reported that current ambassador to the US, Olga Stefanishina’s resignation may be linked to potential charges being prepared against her by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU).
Neither Zelensky nor Swiridenko have officially disclosed the reasons for the cabinet reshuffle. After the announcement of the personnel changes, Swiridenko expressed her willingness to continue public service, while the president mentioned that he offered her a new significant position regarding one of Ukraine’s key partners.
The vote on Swiridenko’s dismissal is scheduled for July 14.
Context
- On July 12, Zelensky announced a “change in Ukraine’s political strategy” and a government update. He thanked Swiridenko for her work and offered her to lead a “new significant direction” in relations with a key partner of Ukraine.
- Currently, various media outlets and lawmakers are naming the head of Naftogaz, Sergey Koretsky, as the main contender for the prime minister role. According to Ukrainian media, Zelensky has already proposed the position to him, to which Koretsky reportedly responded that he is “ready to give it a try.”
