Zelensky appoints Ihor Brusyl as ambassador to Italy — strengthening ties with a key partner
The President dismissed Brusyl from his post as deputy head of the Office of the President and temporarily appointed him ambassador to Rome. We analyze why this is more than a routine personnel rotation and what implications it may have for relations between Ukraine and Italy.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
March 3, 2026 · 2 min read
Briefly
On 3 March 2026 President Volodymyr Zelensky signed two decrees: No. 216/2026, which dismissed Ihor Brusylo from the position of Deputy Head of the Office of the President, and No. 217/2026, which appointed him Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the Italian Republic. The information was published on the Office of the President's website.
Why this matters
The appointment of a career diplomat with experience working specifically in Italy is no coincidence. Italy remains one of Ukraine’s important political and trade partners within the EU; Rome also has influence in key international formats where decisions are made on sanctions, arms supplies and humanitarian assistance. Appointing someone with on-the-ground experience increases the chances of prompt communication and effective promotion of Ukrainian interests.
Official position
"Appoint Ihor Ivanovych Brusylo Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the Italian Republic"
— Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 217/2026
Context and background
Ihor Brusylo is a diplomat and civil servant, born in 1980; he has worked in the Presidential Administration and in the apparatus of the Verkhovna Rada. From 2007–2011 he served in the diplomatic service at the Embassy of Ukraine in Italy. Since 17 March 2021 he held the position of Deputy Head of the Office of the President.
In recent years, personnel changes in the diplomatic service have largely followed the same logic: placing experienced specialists in the capitals of partner countries. For example, the previous ambassador to Italy, Yaroslav Melnyk, was transferred to Belgium in 2025; earlier in 2025–2026 there were other changes as well (appointments to Georgia, Serbia, etc.).
Implications and expectations
The practical effect of the appointment will depend on three factors: the speed of establishing contacts with the Italian political establishment, the ability to advance specific requests (security, supplies, sanctions, economic cooperation), and coordination with other European capitals. A diplomat with prior experience in the country has an advantage in faster adaptation and in building relationships on critical issues.
Summary
This appointment is more than a personnel rotation: it signals Kyiv’s intent to step up engagement with Italy through an experienced envoy. The next step is to turn declarations and plans into concrete negotiation results that will affect Ukraine’s security and recovery.
