Head of the Ukrainian President’s Office Yermak is disliked in Washington by both Republicans and Democrats – Politico

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, stirred a wave of negativity during his recent visit to Washington.

This was reported by Politico, citing more than a dozen sources.

In the U.S. capital, Yermak is being called a “rare case of consensus”: both Democrats and Republicans have grown frustrated with his behavior. After his trip to the United States, Yermak is perceived in Washington as a negotiator who “annoys both parties.”

“Many in Washington believe Yermak is unfamiliar with U.S. politics, comes across as abrasive and overly demanding toward American officials — and overall, struggles to navigate the inner workings of the Washington establishment on Capitol Hill. Some are also concerned that he has inaccurately conveyed U.S. positions to Ukrainian leadership,” the article states.

According to Politico, Yermak had difficulty arranging meetings during his most recent trip in June — it was seen as spontaneous and lacked a clear agenda. A scheduled meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio was canceled at the last minute, Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles made Yermak wait and later also canceled their meeting, and Vice President J.D. Vance didn’t respond to the meeting request at all.

“We didn’t understand why he came,” one source told the publication.

The Biden administration is also reportedly skeptical of Yermak. Although committed to supporting Ukraine, they have repeatedly requested to hold meetings with President Zelensky without Yermak present — a request the Ukrainian side has declined.

One American expert described Yermak as an “existential threat” to U.S.–Ukraine relations. Another commented:

“Everyone who wants the U.S. to stop supporting Ukraine is happy to see Yermak in that role.”

In response, Yermak told Politico: “If others think you’re ‘difficult,’ so be it. I will wait for hours outside any door if it helps my country and the mission of my president.” He added: “I have no ambition to fully understand how American politics works — I came to speak about the country I know best: Ukraine.”