Zelenskyy made the statement during Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) in Rome.Zelenskyy confirmed the dismissal of Oksana Markarova from the position of Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S. and mentioned the idea of appointing Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.“If I decide—and this will happen soon—that Rustem Umerov will represent Ukraine in the United States, meaning he will be our key ambassador, this will undoubtedly lead to significant reshuffles in the Ukrainian government,” the president said.Zelenskyy noted that a lot depends on the Ministry of Defense, and it is important for Ukraine to strengthen relations with the U.S. According to the president, he proposed Umerov for the position because a strong person is needed there, especially in the context of strengthening Ukraine and, above all, its weapons supply.On July 8, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed the information about replacing ambassador Oksana Markarova in the U.S.