Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed former Ukrainian ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova as his non-staff adviser on reconstruction and investment in Ukraine.
“To appoint Oksana Sergeevna Markarova as an adviser to the President of Ukraine on reconstruction and investment in Ukraine“, the decree published on the website of Zelensky's office says.
Earlier, Ukrainian parliament member Oleksiy Honcharenko said that Markarova could replace Andriy Yermak as head of Zelensky's office. Citing sources, the TV channel “Public“ announced that Markarova would not accept the position.
Markarova has been Ukraine's ambassador to the United States since February 25, 2021. Former Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna replaced her in late August. Markarova attended a controversial meeting at the White House in February that led to a public spat between U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelensky.
Media footage of the meeting showed Markarova in shock and bewilderment at Zelensky's behavior. She looked down, touched her nose, closed her eyes, and shook her head several times. Mike Walz, then U.S. national security adviser and now U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, later told Fox News that members of Zelensky's team, including Markarova, were nearly in tears after the meeting.