After four years as Ukraine鈥檚 ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova is leaving Washington 鈥 a signal moment in the U.S.-Ukrainian relationship. Since Russia鈥檚 full-scale invasion of Ukraine early in 2022, Ambassador Markarova has been a tireless advocate for her country. 鈥淚t is no longer work,鈥 she told Monitor editors and writers at a dinner six weeks into the war.
Now, as Monitor reporter Anna Mulrine Grobe writes today, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has changed his approach to President Donald Trump. He鈥檚 dressing differently. He鈥檚 saying thank you. He鈥檚 offering to pay for weapons. And, following Republican requests that Ms. Markarova be replaced 鈥 amid charges that she鈥檚 too close to the Democratic Party 鈥 a new ambassador will soon be in Washington. With that will come new opportunities for understanding and collaboration.