US officials and lawmakers do not mind the absence of a Ukrainian ambassador in Washington, according to American analysts and congressional sources.
Bill Cole, founder of the conservative American think tank Peace Through Strength Institute, told Ukrainian news outlet LIGA.net that the vacant diplomatic position has no impact on relations between the two countries. He noted that decision makers in power offices across Washington are unconcerned about whether an ambassador is currently in place.
Cole stated that American officials and legislators are continuing their work on existing agenda items without interruption. He added that the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of former ambassador Olha Stefanishyna had only deepened skepticism in Washington regarding the usefulness of standard bureaucratic procedures.
According to Cole, it makes no difference who holds the ambassador post or whether the position remains empty. He claimed that the Ukrainian embassy in Washington has failed to assist either Ukrainians or Americans with complex issues throughout its operation.
Congressional working preferences
Sources close to the US Congress told LIGA.net that American officials actually find it more convenient to work without a head of diplomatic mission in Washington than with one, regardless of who holds the post.
The position became vacant after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a decree dismissing Stefanishyna on August 3. Stefanishyna had served as Ukraine's envoy in Washington after previously holding the post of Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.
Following the publication of the presidential decree, Stefanishyna stated that she had chosen to step down from the diplomatic post for personal reasons. However, two days after her removal, Ukrainian authorities served her with a notice of suspicion regarding alleged illegal enrichment. She was already facing suspicion in a separate legal case at the time of her original diplomatic appointment.
Future diplomatic strategy in Washington
Daniel Kochis, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Hudson Institute think tank, emphasized that Ukraine's next ambassador faces a distinct task. He stated that any new envoy must clearly show the American political class how the United States benefits from a Ukrainian victory against Russia.
However, expectations within Kyiv remain cautious regarding what a new ambassador can accomplish. A source within President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's ruling Servant of the People party told LIGA.net that whoever receives the appointment is unlikely to alter US President Donald Trump's attitude towards Kyiv.
