Career diplomat Paul Houston has assumed his duties as the new US chargé d'affaires in Kyiv, succeeding Sandra Oudkirk.

Diplomat Paul Houston officially began his assignment as the US chargé d'affaires in Ukraine on 23 August. He marked the start of his mission by attending Ukraine's National Prayer Breakfast, which coincided with the 35th anniversary of the country's independence.

Professional Background

Houston is a senior career diplomat holding the rank of Minister Counselor. Before his current assignment in Kyiv, he served as the US chargé d'affaires in Niamey, Niger. His previous experience includes roles as acting principal deputy assistant secretary and deputy assistant secretary for threat investigations and analysis at the US State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security. He has also held senior positions at diplomatic missions in Germany, Jordan, Haiti, Serbia, and at the US Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.

Recent Diplomatic Transitions

Houston succeeds Sandra Oudkirk, who had only assumed the role of US chargé d'affaires in Ukraine on 17 July. The position has seen several changes recently; Julie Davis stepped down from the role at the end of June, and former US ambassador Bridget Brink departed in April 2025.