Diplomacy Zelenskyy to replace envoy to Washington

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is replacing Ukraine’s ambassador to the US, who has been heavily criticised by leading Republicans, as part of a diplomatic reshuffle designed to strengthen ties with the Trump administration.

- Luke Harding

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, confirmed yesterday that Oksana Markarova would be recalled from Washington after four years in the job. He described her as “extremely effective, charismatic and one of our most successful ambassadors”. He indicated several top ambassadors to G7 and G20 countries would also be moved.

The diplomatic shakeup comes at a critical moment in the war. Russian troops have been attacking across the 650-mile frontline and in recent weeks the speed of their gains has increased, with a Kremlin spokesperson declaring: “We are advancing.”

Late on Tuesday and early yesterday, Russia carried out its biggest aerial attack since the start of its full-scale invasion in February 2022. It involved a record 728 Shahed-type drones, as well as 13 cruise and ballistic missiles. Most were shot down.

The US house speaker, Mike Johnson, is among the Republican figures who have criticised Markarova, accusing her of supporting the Democratic party and its candidate, Kamala Harris, in the run-up to last November’s presidential election.