Oksana Markarova

Oksana Markarova brought experience in investment management and public finance to diplomacy. She studied environmental science at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and public finance at Indiana University, then worked in private equity and financial advisory roles. In Ukraine's finance ministry she rose from deputy minister to minister, worked with international financial institutions, and developed public finance transparency tools. Her government work also included establishing UkraineInvest and the Ukrainian Startup Fund. ^{1, 2}

As ambassador to the United States from 2021 to 2025, Markarova worked on the renewed Strategic Partnership Charter and a framework for defense cooperation. After Russia's full scale invasion in February 2022, she concentrated on military, financial, and humanitarian assistance, sanctions, and support across both American parties. She also sought partnerships with state and local governments and founded the Ukraine House DC Foundation as a venue for Ukrainian cultural and public events. ¹

In November 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Markarova an adviser on rebuilding and investment. The remit included attracting capital, improving the business climate, strengthening public finances, and planning reconstruction with international partners. ²