Palisa rules out U.S. ambassador post, citing military service during war

Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa rebuffed claims that he could be appointed as Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, citing his military service during wartime. Reporting by NV indicated that Palisa made these remarks to journalists. According to the law, Palisa cannot concurrently serve in both the military and diplomatic fields.

Moreover, Palisa explained that his personal and moral convictions prevent him from leaving military service, especially during a war. He reaffirmed that staying in Ukraine is his sole option for moving to the United States, barring any specific training requirements. Earlier in the week, RBC-Ukraine had reported that the Presidential Office was evaluating several possible candidates, among them military officials, diplomats, and politicians, for the coveted post.

Notable names on the list included former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Palisa himself. Palisa's current position primarily revolves around defense matters, and his significance in this role was deemed noteworthy. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy boasted about having a pre-selected candidate for the role, emphasizing that the chosen individual should possess extensive experience and a comprehensive understanding of various issues.

The incoming U.S. presidential election loomed as a crucial factor, necessitating a representative capable of garnering attention for Ukraine through media exposure, interactions with senators, think tanks, and public outreach. This perspective was echoed by Zelenskyy in an interview on August 22. In July 2026, it emerged that Ukraine's former ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, sought to resign due to personal reasons.

President Zelenskyy's decree officially terminated her diplomatic assignment on August 3. Subsequently, Stefanishyna faced suspicion from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office over alleged undisclosed property acquisitions, misuse of funds for personal expenses, and a Mercedes-Benz registered to a subordinate.

These accusations led to bail being set at 6 million hryvnias by the High Anti-Corruption Court. In July, Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a lawmaker, and various media outlets reported that Stefanishyna might be replaced by Yulia Svyrydenko, formerly dismissed as prime minister, whom the president had previously offered the ambassadorial post on July 21.

On July 23, LIGA.net cited Presidential Office sources, revealing Rustem Umerov as another prominent contender for the position. Umerov, who had previously held roles as secretary of the National Security and Defense Council and head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, was officially appointed on August 3.