Lost in translation: communication between the U.S. and Ukraine is hindered by Yermak and Zelensky’s attempts to speak English during negotiations — FAZ

Communication at meetings between Ukrainian and U.S. officials is often hindered by a language barrier, as Western partners struggle to understand the less-than-fluent English of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak.

This issue was reported by the German newspaper “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”, citing sources in an article titled “The Chancellor’s Special Path.”

The article’s authors spoke to sources from three countries—Ukraine, France, and the United States—who revealed that both Zelensky and Yermak frequently communicate in English during negotiations with Americans without relying on professional interpreters. However, their English proficiency is considered subpar.

“Zelensky’s English is merely average, while Yermak’s is frankly poor. As a result, Americans are often unsure whether they fully understand Ukraine’s two leading politicians in direct communication. They also cannot be sure if their own explanations are accurately understood,” the article states.

It is worth noting that Yermak frequently conducts phone calls and holds personal meetings with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.