EU Ambassador to Ukraine Comments on Chentsov-Kachka Job Swap

European Union Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Maternová has commented on the recent reshuffle involving two key Ukrainian officials dealing with EU integration. In a post on X, she stated her expectation for a strong working relationship with Vsevolod Chentsov, who was appointed Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, and Taras Kachka, who now serves as Ukraine's permanent representative to the EU.

Maternová, noting that as a diplomat she cannot comment on Ukraine's internal politics, described Chentsov as her “mirror ambassador” in Brussels, with whom she has worked closely for years even before her move to Kyiv. She emphasized that the vice prime minister position should be in experienced hands.

Regarding Kachka, who previously held the vice prime minister post, Maternová recalled their long collaboration, including when he served as trade representative. She wished both officials success in their new roles, expressing confidence that their joint mission to bring Ukraine closer to the EU would remain as dynamic as before.

The government changes took place on July 16. Chentsov replaced Kachka as Vice Prime Minister. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed that Kachka combine his representative role in Brussels with that of trade representative.