According to data from the reputable American publication Politico, the relationship between Ukraine’s Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak and representatives of the administration of former U
S. President Donald Trump is becoming increasingly tense and is causing serious concern in Washington. Based on conversations with over fifteen sources, the newspaper concludes that Yermak’s actions are causing irritation even among American politicians who have had personal interactions with him. The article, published on June 19 under the headline "The Ukrainian Official Washington Loves to Hate," is based on interviews with various sources—including former and current government officials, congressional aides, and other individuals familiar with internal processes in Washington. Most of those interviewed wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the situation. Since the масштабного вторгнення Росії в Україну у 2022 році (the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022), Yermak has been actively visiting Washington, acting as an intermediary in dialogues with Ukrainian leadership and the U.S. administration. However, according to sources, he has gained a reputation for being uninformed about the nuances of American politics, and his character and blunt communication style raise concerns among U.S. officials. "Many see him as overly demanding and even confrontational," the article states. "Yermak often abuses the trust of American partners and behaves from a relatively high position without considering internal processes in Washington." Additionally, some sources express concerns that the Ukrainian representative in Washington may miscommunicate the U.S. position to Kyiv, creating additional risks for diplomatic relations. His recent trip to America at the end of May is particularly criticized—described by sources as brief and, according to them, chaotic. Five individuals familiar with the trip’s details report that Yermak struggled to organize meetings with senior officials at the White House and other agencies, and his presence caused surprise and even dissatisfaction among American policymakers. "We approached his visit with suspicion—they arrived without clear objectives or a plan, which raised many questions," commented one source. Notably, a planned meeting with Secretary of State Mark R. Rubio was canceled at the last minute, and a previously scheduled meeting with Vice President Joe Vainso was ignored altogether. These reports highlight the complexity and tension in the interactions between the Ukrainian delegation and American officials, noting that Yermak has remained one of the most controversial figures in the diplomatic landscape of Ukraine and the U.S. since his appointment nearly six years ago. According to analysts, even during the most difficult moments, Ukraine has managed to restrain its emotions and maintain diplomatic decorum to avoid harming vital strategic interests. However, the Biden administration seemingly views the situation differently. They openly express disappointment with Yermak’s style of conduct, though they remain reserved and cautious in their comments. During recent visits of the Ukrainian delegation to the U.S., particularly in early June, Ukrainian officials held a series of meetings with American colleagues. Specifically, Minister of Economy Yulia Sviridenko and Yermak met with administration representatives, including U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Kirt Kellogg. Nonetheless, critics and sources in Washington suggest that challenges and disagreements between the sides persist, and Yermak’s role in these processes is raising increasing questions. In the context of strained relations, it is worth noting that the American political elite is becoming more skeptical about the prospects of effective and constructive cooperation with Ukraine involving Yermak, which, according to experts, could potentially reduce international support for Ukraine. Nevertheless, despite these difficulties, Kyiv continues to seek support from Washington, and Ukrainian policymakers remain hopeful that the situation will improve over time and that contacts with the U.S. government will stabilize.