President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Oleksandr Lytvynenko as the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Ukraine to Serbia by a decree dated November 27.
Oleksandr Lytvynenko, the former secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, will replace Volodymyr Tolkach, who has been ambassador since December 2021. Before his work in Serbia, Tolkach was the ambassador to Kuwait for nine years. Lytvynenko’s appointment indicates changes in Kyiv’s diplomatic strategy aimed at strengthening ties with the countries of the Balkan region.
Lytvynenko has led the Foreign Intelligence Service since 2021, and from March 2024 to July 2025, he served as the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. His successor as secretary was former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Prior to Lytvynenko, the position was held by Oleksiy Danilov, who was supposed to become the ambassador to Moldova, but the appointment did not occur.
Recently, Serbia has shown readiness to cooperate with the European Union, including the sale of ammunition, which could potentially be transferred to Ukraine. This adds additional political significance to the event.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointment | Oleksandr Lytvynenko, ambassador to Serbia |
| Predecessor | Volodymyr Tolkach |
| Lytvynenko’s Activities | Foreign Intelligence Service, NSDC |
| Context | Serbia’s cooperation with the EU regarding ammunition |
