Photo: EPA
The main focus is on post-war reconstruction.
Former U.S. ambassador Oksana Markarova has become a non-staff advisor to the president on Ukraine’s reconstruction and investment issues, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on his Telegram channel. He noted that, in addition to defending independence and the daily work to ensure Ukraine’s survival, the government has a long-term goal: to provide the country with the ability to rebuild after hostilities and restore normal economic development.
“This is a task for the Ukrainian government, all our institutions, and Ukrainian business, and I believe everyone who can help Ukraine should do so,” the president said. “I am glad that Oksana remains part of our state team.” According to Zelensky, her work will involve consultations on issues that strengthen Ukraine, such as improving the business climate, enhancing the state’s financial stability, attracting investments, and planning reconstruction together with strategic partners.
Zelensky’s decree states that Markarova will serve as an advisor on a public, non-staff basis. MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak reacted by calling it a tragedy for the current administration, saying that the presidential office has brought state governance and civil service to a point where nobody wants to go there, even for high-ranking positions.
“The vice prime minister for reconstruction is a figure involved in numerous anti-corruption investigations, Kuleba, just because he’s a friend of Yermak. It should be the other way around,” he commented on Markarova’s appointment. Recently, Markarova said she was not offered to head the presidential office, despite earlier media rumors, noting that she returned to work in the private sector.
