Zelenskyy: Brigadier General Palisa Rejects US Ambassadorship to Return to Front
The Ukrainian president revealed that a top military aide declined the diplomatic post, stating a preference for active combat duty over working in Washington.
By Ayanda Novak ·
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on October 28 that Brigadier General Pavlo Palisa has turned down the position of ambassador to the United States. Palisa, who currently serves as a deputy head of the President's Office, reportedly told the president he wanted to return to his military unit immediately rather than serve abroad.
The vacancy has existed since August 3, when Zelenskyy dismissed the previous ambassador, Olha Stefanishyna. The post has remained unfilled for nearly three months as officials weighed potential candidates. Zelenskyy stated that three names were discussed during the selection process: Yuliia Svyrydenko, Dmytro Kuleba, and Palisa.
The president highlighted Palisa's American education and fluency in English as factors in his consideration. Zelenskyy noted that substantial work remains in Washington regarding military cooperation and mentioned that US President Donald Trump is already acquainted with Palisa. Despite these advantages, the general's preference for the battlefield prevailed.
Zelenskyy quoted Palisa's direct response to the offer. "Send me to the line of contact, get me back to my brigade urgently. I'm not going anywhere outside Ukraine," Palisa said. Zelenskyy summarized the outcome by noting that while Palisa would have been a strong candidate, he did not wish to accept the role.
Palisa holds the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi and has maintained a dual career in the military and the presidential administration. He had previously addressed rumors of his appointment by citing Ukrainian law, which prohibits simultaneous service in the military and diplomatic corps. No final decision on the new US ambassador has been announced as consultations continue.
The search for a new diplomat to Washington continues against a backdrop of ongoing military operations. The next step involves finalizing the selection among remaining candidates, though no timeline for an announcement has been provided.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda
