Editor’s Introduction
The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune is pleased to publish this Open Letter by Melinda Haring, a respected member of the Editorial Board of the Jerusalem Strategic Tribune, CEO of Kensington Global LLC, and Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center.
For more than a decade, Melinda Haring has been one of Washington’s most knowledgeable and respected voices on Ukraine, U.S.-Ukraine relations, democratic governance, and transatlantic security. Her analyses are widely read by policymakers, diplomats, members of Congress, and the broader strategic community.
In this timely Open Letter, she shares her personal reflections on one of the most consequential decisions currently facing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: the appointment of Ukraine’s next Ambassador to the United States. Drawing on years of experience in both Washington and Kyiv, she argues that this choice will play a decisive role in strengthening one of Ukraine’s most vital strategic relationships.
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Dear President Zelenskyy,
I have gotten out of the habit of writing to you and Mrs. Zelenskyy since the war began, but I think you’ll remember the open letter I wrote to Mrs. Zelenskyy at the beginning of your presidency, when there were no women in your inner circle. Mrs. Zelenskyy later told me she had read it and taken it seriously. I’m delighted that you’ve more than addressed that issue.
Before turning to the matter at hand, let me sincerely congratulate you on your recent visit to Washington and convey the warm support that so many Americans continue to feel for Ukraine. We stand with Ukraine.
Now to the difficult question.
You face an exceptionally important decision in appointing Ukraine’s next Ambassador to the United States. No one envies the person who takes on this assignment. It is one of the most demanding diplomatic posts in the world, where success is expected, mistakes are magnified, and political realities change rapidly.
Over the years, I have followed Ukraine’s ambassadors to Washington closely. None matched the remarkable standard set by Oksana Markarova, who leaves exceptionally difficult shoes to fill.
I’ve never been shy about offering candid advice when I believe it can serve Ukraine’s interests. As Ella Fitzgerald famously sang, “Do Nothing Until You Hear from Me.” So before you make this appointment, allow me to offer a few thoughts.
The person who can continue repairing and strengthening the U.S.-Ukraine relationship must be articulate, completely fluent in idiomatic English, and capable of building trust across America’s diverse political and religious communities. They must feel equally comfortable attending a reception at Mar-a-Lago one evening and joining a prayer breakfast the next morning.
Whether Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, or of another faith is not what matters. What matters is genuine respect for religious communities and the ability to connect authentically with them.
Above all, the next ambassador must possess emotional intelligence, patience, resilience, a sense of humor, and an unwavering commitment to relationship-building. This administration presents unique challenges, but it also presents opportunities for someone willing to engage with openness, persistence, and good judgment.
The obvious choice might appear to be Ukraine’s finest diplomatic bulldog, Sergiy Kyslytsya. Yet I believe assigning him to Washington would be a mistake. Ukraine needs him exactly where he is. Few diplomats command greater respect—or inspire greater concern in the Kremlin. He remains one of Ukraine’s strongest negotiators.
Instead, four outstanding candidates come immediately to mind.
1. Pavel Unguryan
The former Member of Parliament is an exceptional relationship builder who personally knows many of the most influential Republican members of Congress and regularly engages with them through faith-based networks.
Although his spoken English is not perfect, his enthusiasm, authenticity, and charisma consistently win people over. Watching Pavel work Capitol Hill is a masterclass in effective advocacy. He understands how to build trust, engage skeptical audiences, and deliver results.
His role in cultivating support among congressional Republicans—including his close relationship with Speaker Mike Johnson before the 2024 Ukraine supplemental vote—is well known in Washington. He is trusted by American activists, respected by Ukraine’s Evangelical community, and has repeatedly demonstrated that he knows how to achieve results.
He would be my first choice.
2. Sergiy Gusovsky
Kyiv’s celebrated restaurateur, engineer, entrepreneur, politician, and patriot combines strategic understanding with remarkable personal warmth.
He speaks flawless English, understands Ukraine’s security challenges, communicates with grace and humor, and represents his country with dignity. In more than a decade of working in Ukraine, I have yet to meet anyone who genuinely dislikes him—a remarkable achievement in any democracy.
3. Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze
Yes, Ivanna belongs to Petro Poroshenko’s political party.
That fact alone should not disqualify her.
She commands deep respect in Washington, particularly among Republicans. Her expertise in foreign affairs is unquestioned, she projects confidence naturally, and she combines intellectual rigor with sharp wit. She would likely be well received by President Trump and those around him.
Most importantly, she has the ability to engage even the most unconventional political actors without compromising Ukraine’s interests for a single moment.
4. Andrey Stavnitser
Few Ukrainians understand entrepreneurs and international business leaders better than Andrey Stavnitser.
Persistent, optimistic, personable, and endlessly resourceful, he has repeatedly demonstrated an extraordinary ability to transform ambitious ideas into reality. His work with the Superhumans Center alongside Olga Rudneva stands as one of Ukraine’s most inspiring achievements during wartime.
He is also deeply committed to demonstrating that Russian-speaking Ukrainians are every bit as patriotic as Ukrainian speakers—a message that deserves wider recognition.
If none of these names proves suitable, call me. I’ll gladly suggest others.
But whatever you do, choose wisely.
Ukraine cannot afford another ambassador whose credibility or judgment becomes a distraction in Washington. Your diplomatic bench is not deep enough for avoidable mistakes.
This appointment deserves someone who combines strategic judgment, political dexterity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build lasting relationships across the American political landscape.
With respect and admiration,
Melinda Haring
