In the communication between Ukraine and the USA at the highest level, in particular regarding the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO, an unexpected problem arose – a language barrier. As writes German publication Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), some Ukrainian officials, in particular President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and the head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, prefer independent negotiations in English, avoiding the use of translators.
FAZ notes that Zelensky’s level of English is average, while Yermak’s is rather weak. This creates difficulties for the American side: interlocutors from Washington are not always sure that they understand Ukrainian leaders correctly, and doubt whether their own explanations were fully understood by Ukrainian partners.
Despite this language barrier, the US continues to actively consider options for cooperation with Ukraine regarding integration into NATO. An important role in these negotiations is currently played by the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Olga Stefanyshina, who speaks English at a high level. As FAZ notes, she, together with the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Anatoly Barhylevych, took responsibility for conducting the main negotiations with representatives of the USA.
