Zelensky reveals Palisa's refusal to become ambassador to the US and names alternative candidates

Discussion of candidates for the diplomatic post

On 27 October, Volodymyr Zelensky spoke about the process of selecting a new Ukrainian ambassador to the United States during a meeting with journalists. The head of state noted that the president's team had considered several options, including former Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Why Palisa declined the appointment

The president separately addressed the candidacy of Pavlo Palisa, an adviser to the head of the Presidential Office. Zelensky explained that Palisa had all the prerequisites for successful work in this role: he has an American education, speaks English, and is personally acquainted with US President Donald Trump. According to Zelensky, Palisa would have been a good ambassador, as the position requires significant work specifically in the military sphere.

However, Pavlo Palisa declined the offer. The president quoted his words: "На фронт мене, поверніть мене терміново в бригаду. Я нікуди з України не поїду" (Send me to the front, return me urgently to the brigade. I am not going anywhere from Ukraine).

«Ми обговорювали кандидатури Юлії Свириденко, Дмитра Кулеби, Павла Паліси, бо в нього є американська освіта, знання мови, там треба багато працювати саме щодо військових питань і його знає Трамп. Паліса був би хорошим послом, але не хоче. Сказав: "На фронт мене, поверніть мене терміново в бригаду. Я нікуди з України не поїду". Будемо продовжувати консультації щодо цього» (We discussed the candidates of Yulia Svyrydenko, Dmytro Kuleba, and Pavlo Palisa, because he has an American education, knowledge of the language, there is a lot of work to be done specifically on military issues, and Trump knows him. Palisa would have been a good ambassador, but he does not want to. He said: "Send me to the front, return me urgently to the brigade. I am not going anywhere from Ukraine". We will continue consultations on this), – Volodymyr Zelensky emphasised.

Pavlo Palisa's experience

Pavlo Palisa has military experience: he commanded the 93rd Brigade and participated in the battles for Bakhmut. His military rank is colonel. In November 2024, Palisa was appointed Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, and he is also a member of the Ukrainian negotiating group.