US names new top diplomat in Ukraine

WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump’s administration on May 1 named a career diplomat as its top envoy in Ukraine, putting another seasoned hand in charge after turbulence in the wartime relationship.

The State Department said that Ms Julie Davis, a Russian speaker who has spent much of her career in the former Soviet Union, will be charge d’affaires in Kyiv, the top embassy position pending the nomination and Senate confirmation of an ambassador.

Ambassador Bridget Brink, also a career diplomat, stepped down in April.

She had spent been stationed in Kyiv for three years, a gruelling posting during Russia’s invasion.

She was also caught in an increasingly awkward situation after robustly supporting Ukraine under former president Joe Biden and then representing Mr Trump as

he dressed down Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

in an Oval Office meeting.

The appointment of Ms Davis was announced a day after

Ukraine and the United States signed a minerals deal

, seen by Kyiv as a new way to ensure a US commitment even after Mr Trump opposes military assistance and presses a war settlement that many Ukrainians see as favourable to Russia.

“Ambassador Davis is the President and Secretary’s choice,” State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters, referring also to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

She also called the minerals deal a “significant milestone”.

“President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine,” Ms Bruce said.

Ms Davis serves as the US ambassador to Cyprus, a position she will continue concurrently with her new role in Kyiv. AFP