**Ukraine Tries to Mend Relations with the US**
In a move aimed at improving ties with Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has appointed Olha Stefanishyna as his country’s new ambassador to the United States. This change comes after a public clash between Zelenskiy and former US President Donald Trump earlier this year.
Stefanishyna, who currently serves as Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, will become the special presidential representative to the US while she undergoes the necessary procedures for her appointment. This move is seen as an attempt by Zelenskiy to mend frayed relations between Ukraine and the United States.
The current Ukrainian ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, faced criticism from Trump’s incoming administration during the 2024 election battle with his predecessor Joe Biden. Markarova was accused of helping Biden’s Democratic Party by organizing Zelenskiy’s visit to a Pennsylvania ammunition factory in autumn 2024. This incident was brought up by Vice President J.D. Vance during a heated Oval Office meeting between Zelenskiy and Trump, at which Markarova was present.
By appointing Stefanishyna as the new ambassador, Ukraine is seeking to start fresh and build stronger ties with the US. Stefanishyna has played a key role in Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, which began in 2020. Her experience in promoting Euro-Atlantic integration will be valuable in developing relations with Washington.
This move comes at a time when Ukraine is facing increased tensions with Russia over its ongoing conflict with separatist groups in eastern Ukraine. By strengthening ties with the US, Ukraine hopes to gain more international support and security guarantees.
**Analysis**
The appointment of Stefanishyna as the new Ukrainian ambassador to the US is a significant step towards improving relations between the two countries. With her experience in promoting Euro-Atlantic integration, she will be well-placed to develop stronger ties with Washington.
However, this move also comes at a time when Ukraine is facing increased tensions with Russia. By strengthening ties with the US, Ukraine may be seen as taking a more pro-Western stance, which could further exacerbate relations with Russia.
Overall, this appointment is a strategic move by Zelenskiy to improve Ukraine’s international standing and gain more support for its conflict with separatist groups in eastern Ukraine.
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