Stefanishyna reveals her tasks as Zelenskyy's envoy for cooperation with US

Olha Stefanishyna has explained that one of her main tasks in her role as the president's envoy for cooperation with the United States will be the implementation of the minerals deal, as well as organising a mechanism for the purchase of US-made weapons.

Stefanishyna stated in an interview with European Pravda that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects her to strengthen several areas. "The first is the implementation of the minerals deal. The second is the organisation of a mechanism for purchasing US-made weapons," Stefanishyna said.

She noted that there has already been a positive signal from the United States in that they are prepared to sell weapons to Ukraine. And other NATO and EU countries have confirmed that they are prepared to mobilise funds to purchase such weapons.

"Part of my role will be to ensure that this project is a success. My previous experience will be useful here in establishing cooperation between EU and NATO countries and the United States regarding these purchases – and also to explain to the US what Europe is all about," she explained.

"Of course, these are not my only tasks. There will certainly be NATO issues, interaction with Congress, and so on," Stefanishyna added.

She emphasised that her position as special envoy is temporary, until the procedures related to her appointment as ambassador to the US are completed.

"And now my key task is to consult with the Ukrainian parliament, the new prime minister, the heads of state campaigns and the president's team so that by the time I leave for the United States, I will have an agenda in place – so that, as they say in Odesa, I have a vision of the first 10-20 steps in Washington," Stefanishyna said.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree appointing Olha Stefanishyna as the president's special envoy for cooperation with the United States.

Recently, the media reported that Zelenskyy had informed Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, of his intention to dismiss her.