Interview: Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova on "Face the Nation" – May 4, 2025

MARGARET BRENNAN: Let's now speak with Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S. Ambassador, welcome back. We've heard reports about overnight assaults on Kyiv by Russia. Could you update us on these developments?

AMB. MARKAROVA: Thank you for having me, Margaret. We've experienced another challenging night in various parts of Ukraine, including Kyiv and Cherkasy. More than 165 Iranian-made Shahed drones targeted civilian areas once again. Regrettably, this has been our daily reality for the last 1,166 days. Each day, regardless of Russian claims, civilian casualties and damage occur. We've been committed to not only defending ourselves but also achieving peace. Peace remains Ukraine's ultimate goal.

MARGARET BRENNAN: There's been noticeable change in communication between your President Zelenskyy and former President Trump. Zelenskyy mentioned their meeting at the Pope's funeral was the most positive yet, leaving him optimistic about future relations. What developments can be expected from this interaction? When is their next dialogue scheduled?

AMB. MARKAROVA: Our alliance with the United States holds paramount significance for us. The U.S. has consistently been a strategic partner. We deeply appreciate the support from the American people, making our defense efforts without the provision of tools like Javelins inconceivable, and this aid began under President Trump's administration during my tenure as finance minister in 2017. This substantial backing over the past three years has been transformative. Ukraine and the U.S. recently formalized a remarkable economic partnership agreement, elevating our cooperation. Despite any disagreements, Ukraine is steadfast in pursuing peace. We value the shared ideals of defending freedom, justified by the support from the U.S., which has both moral justification and economic interest as noted by your Secretary of Treasury.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You've mentioned a new economic partnership, sometimes referred to as a minerals agreement, which is advancing through your government for ratification. Russia's Foreign Minister claims that mineral resources in Ukraine's east are a reason for their refusal to withdraw troops from those areas. Can this U.S.-Ukraine deal succeed if Russian forces remain in regions with these mineral resources?

AMB. MARKAROVA: This deal aims to establish an investment fund, maximizing Ukraine's lucrative investment potential. While enduring Russian aggression is unwelcome, it's equally vital to discuss prospects for growth alongside America and other partners. Ukraine boasts rich agricultural lands and critical mineral resources, ready for development with global cooperation. Criticism from Russia should only bolster our resolve, indicating we're on the right path. Success for this venture is contingent on a peaceful Ukraine.

MARGARET BRENNAN: After the commercial break, we will dive deeper into this topic.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Continued Discussion on Ukraine-U.S. Economic Partnership

MARGARET BRENNAN: We continue our conversation with Ambassador Markarova on the economic partnership treaty between the U.S. and Ukraine. It’s suggested that future U.S. military support—ammunition, arms, and training—will count as contributions to the investment fund without Ukraine having to compensate for past military aid. Is this accurately framed?

AMB. MARKAROVA: Absolutely, this partnership is a 50/50 initiative. Both nations will manage and contribute to this fund, encompassing not just military support but broader investments. Ukraine will also allocate proceeds from new economic developments to this fund, fostering shared advancements in key sectors like infrastructure and rare minerals.

MARGARET BRENNAN: How soon will this initiative actively commence?

AMB. MARKAROVA: We're progressing rapidly. The agreement had been signed and is anticipated to be ratified by our parliament shortly. With strong backing from Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump, we're finalizing the fund's structure to begin operations swiftly. As someone with experience in private equity, I can attest to the complexities involved, but we are advancing rapidly.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Does this include security assurances or commitments for future military support from the U.S., especially considering the ongoing uncertainties surrounding peace efforts?

AMB. MARKAROVA: The complexity of Russian aggression against Ukraine requires multifaceted discussions on peace processes, economic partnerships, and potential security guarantees. Europe has stepped up in many areas, making this economic deal a crucial component within a wider security framework. The fund's potential success is interconnected with Ukraine's stability, making it indirectly influential on future security guarantees.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked to state media that the conflict could reach a logical conclusion without nuclear weapons, which he hopes won't be necessary. How do you interpret these statements?

AMB. MARKAROVA: Interpreting the remarks from a leader with a history of aggression—from conflicts in Georgia and Ukraine to war crimes in Syria and other transgressions—is challenging. The focus should be understanding his consistent threat profile, not only to Ukraine but globally. Our collective response with the U.S., Europe, and other allies is geared towards establishing peace and countering Putin's alliances with regimes like Iran and North Korea. Unified efforts are essential to restoring peace worldwide.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you, Ambassador, for providing us your insights. We'll return after a short break.