‘There is a strong demand for Europe to take more responsibility, and for the United States not to abandon Europe and Ukraine in this difficult time’
You have recently been appointed as the President’s Special Representative for US Affairs. Once you receive your agrément, you will become Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States of America. Was this a position you personally wanted? As far as I know, negotiations had been going on for quite some time.
I seem to have a knack for long titles — they tend to keep expanding. This was the President’s decision, and we agreed on it together. I genuinely believe that my experience, knowledge and approach are especially needed now in relation to the United States. We’ve now completed the bulk of the political processes linked to EU membership — ahead lies the opening of negotiation clusters.
The political decisions have already been made, and the European Commission has confirmed that we’ve met all the conditions. The Ministry of Justice has established a clear reform roadmap. We have a solid list of expert solutions in place, and the President has instructed us to strengthen the US track, making full use of our existing experience — both in working with the EU and its capitals, and on the American front. You’ll recall that the President sent me to Washington together with the then Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, General Barhylevych — we were working on a number of key initiatives. That experience is now proving valuable.
Since you’ve been working on Euro-Atlantic integration for more than five years, why focus now specifically on the United States?
Because so much depends on the US. They have a direct influence not only on the European Union but also on Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
How do you see your responsibilities in this role?
First of all, I want to make the most of my time while I’m still in Kyiv. I plan to meet with members of the new government — the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Fedorov, and colleagues from state-owned enterprises.
I will put together a package of proposals outlining the first steps, and only after that will I travel to the US. Right now, there is a strong demand for Europe to take on more responsibility, and for the United States not to abandon Europe and Ukraine in this difficult time. My experience and contacts — both with NATO and with EU member states — can help to build a bridge between Europe and the US.
‘I must ensure Ukraine’s presence in American political discourse’
What instructions have you received so far from the President or from Andriy Yermak, the Head of the Presidential Office?
This is one of Mr Yermak’s key areas of work. He serves as National Security Adviser — a role held by leaders in all democratic nations. He is responsible for coordinating negotiations. I stay in close coordination with him at every stage, as he has the broadest network of contacts that can genuinely influence decisions. We’ve already scheduled a series of meetings. I also hope to meet with Oksana Markarova to discuss next steps.
In addition to the President’s immense efforts in direct communication with the American leader, and to the work Mr Yermak is doing on the US track, my task is to strengthen those ties, maintain consistent engagement on a bipartisan level, and ensure Ukraine’s presence in the American political discourse. I also hope to form a kind of ‘couple match’: for Europe and the US to rediscover each other. I’m convinced Ukraine will be the bridge.
We’ve seen a certain warming in US–Ukraine relations. A lot of promises are being made. Donald Trump, for example, recently stated that if Putin doesn’t come to the negotiating table within 50 days, the US will increase its military support to Ukraine. (This interview was recorded before US President Donald Trump announced his intention to shorten the ultimatum period for Russia from 50 to 10–12 days in order to push for a peace agreement with Ukraine. — Ed.)
‘Our priority is to ensure a continuous mechanism for military support to Ukraine’
What priorities do you set for yourself in relations with Washington?
I am no longer a member of the government. When you’re in government, you shape policy, implement it, and bear responsibility for it. My role now will be to represent the directives I receive from Kyiv — from the President, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence, and the Office of the President. But the key priority is to establish a permanent mechanism for military support. I see great potential in combining Europe’s financial capabilities with the decisions the United States needs to make, based on Ukraine’s needs.
The President has already announced a new agreement with the US regarding drones. This will also be an important area of work. What do you know about this agreement?
I’ve asked the Prime Minister to invite me to the meeting when it takes place. I hope there will be more details by then. We need to understand that weapons — their types and production — are not typically topics for public discussion. That’s how it has always been. But due to the war, we are now forced to talk about it more. At the same time, when it comes to commercial agreements, there should be no details disclosed.
When will you travel to the United States?
That doesn’t depend on me. But precisely so that my work isn’t hindered by bureaucracy, the President granted me the status of Special Representative. This gives me the authority to communicate on his behalf. Even if the process takes time, I will be able to work in Washington alongside Oksana Markarova. I won’t speculate on the timeline — it may take a month or two. But this status really does simplify things. Both Oksana and I are able to work independently of formal decisions.
Final question. Oksana Markarova has been quite effective in fulfilling her mission. Will you continue her policy, or will you introduce changes?
I have great respect for Oksana. We have a good, close relationship. She is a highly professional and systematic person who commands deep respect. The embassy has been working effectively and continues to do so while she is in post. But this is not about comparisons. I have my own experience and front — she had hers. I believe we must not compete, but rather strengthen one another.
