Mike Johnson Demands Firing of Ukraine’s Ambassador Over Alleged Partisan Behavior During Zelenskyy’s U.S. Visit

Envelope with "YOU'RE FIRED!" and pointing finger.

House Speaker Mike Johnson demands Ukraine fire its U.S. Ambassador over alleged partisan behavior during President Zelenskyy’s recent visit to Pennsylvania.

At a Glance

Speaker Johnson accuses Ukraine’s Ambassador Oksana Markarova of election interference
Controversy centers on Zelenskyy’s visit to a Scranton ammunition plant
Republicans claim the visit excluded GOP participants and was politically motivated
House Oversight Chair James Comer launches investigation into the trip
Democrats defend Zelenskyy’s visit as support for U.S. workers aiding Ukraine’s defense

Johnson Demands Ambassador’s Dismissal

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has called for the immediate dismissal of Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, citing alleged partisan conduct during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent visit to a munitions factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The demand comes amidst growing tensions between Republican leadership and Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts, as the GOP raises concerns about potential election interference and the use of foreign policy for domestic political gain.

In a strongly worded letter to President Zelenskyy, Johnson accused Ambassador Markarova of orchestrating a partisan event that excluded Republican participants. The Speaker argued that the visit to the battleground state of Pennsylvania was designed to benefit Democrats in the upcoming election, stating that no Republicans were invited to the tour.

After organizing a partisan campaign event in a battleground state this week, Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova demonstrated she cannot be trusted to fairly and effectively serve as a diplomat in this country.

President Zelenskyy must immediately remove her. pic.twitter.com/7GmN1NECBs

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) September 25, 2024

GOP Launches Investigation

House Oversight and Accountability Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) has launched an investigation into Zelenskyy’s Pennsylvania trip, questioning its purpose and potential impact on U.S. elections. Comer’s inquiry seeks details about any coordination between the White House and Ukrainian officials for the visit, fueling Republican accusations of election interference by the Biden administration.

“The facility was in a politically contested battleground state, was led by a top political surrogate for Kamala Harris, and failed to include a single Republican because – on purpose – no Republicans were invited. The tour was clearly a partisan campaign event designed to help Democrats and is clearly election interference,” Johnson wrote Wednesday to Zelensky.

The controversy has been further intensified by Zelenskyy’s critical comments about Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) in a separate interview, which has added to Republican frustration. Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas) and other GOP members have demanded an investigation into the federal resources used for Zelenskyy’s visit.

Democrats Defend Zelenskyy’s Visit

Democrats have dismissed the GOP’s criticism, defending Zelenskyy’s visit as a show of support for U.S. workers contributing to Ukraine’s defense. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Ukraine alliance and the shared values between the two nations. The Pentagon has stated that the flight was funded for official business related to U.S. security assistance to Ukraine.

“The idea that the world should end this war at Ukraine’s expense is unacceptable,” Zelensky said in the interview.

House Oversight Democrats have accused Republicans of undermining the U.S.-Ukraine alliance and amplifying Russian propaganda. They argue that the GOP’s actions are turning their backs on an important U.S. ally at a critical time.

#BREAKING: Speaker Johnson demands Ukrainian ambassador be fired as GOP probes Zelensky visit https://t.co/Xfn71ucefM

— The Hill (@thehill) September 25, 2024

Implications for U.S.-Ukraine Relations

The controversy occurs as Zelenskyy seeks continued U.S. support amid a divided Republican stance on Ukraine aid. Former President Trump’s criticism of Zelenskyy and questioning of future U.S. support have added to the political tension. Some Senate Republicans, like Sen. Roger Wicker, have suggested that the visit may not have been as partisan as it appeared, highlighting the complex nature of the situation.

Johnson’s demand for Markarova’s removal reflects growing Republican skepticism towards Ukraine aid and diplomatic engagement. This incident underscores the delicate balance of international diplomacy and domestic politics in U.S.-Ukraine relations, potentially impacting future support for Ukraine’s defense efforts against Russian aggression.