Ponomarenko became Ambassador-at-Large for the release of prisoners and civilians: what is known about him

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has created the position of Ambassador-at-Large for issues related to prisoners of war, civilians deprived of personal liberty, and missing persons. Dmytro Ponomarenko has been appointed to this position, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported, according to UNN.

At the initiative of Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has created the position of Ambassador-at-Large for issues related to prisoners of war, civilians deprived of personal liberty, and missing persons. Dmytro Ponomarenko has been appointed to this position in the Department of International Law and International Legal Counteraction to Aggression.

It is reported that the Ambassador-at-Large will coordinate within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the search for effective mechanisms to influence the aggressor state, Russia, to prevent torture and inhumane treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war, as well as cooperation on the release of Ukrainian defenders, civilians deprived of personal liberty, and the protection of the rights of missing persons.

In particular, based on the agreements between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War and the Public Council under the Coordination Headquarters regarding the plan of joint actions, including advocacy events, for 2026.

Zelenskyy announced changes in the diplomatic corps, as well as the appointment of a new deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs05.01.26, 18:42

Addition

As reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Ponomarenko has dedicated many years to building relations with countries in the Asia-Pacific region and intensifying interregional cooperation. From 2021 to 2025, he represented Ukraine as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Korea and concurrently to Mongolia.

From 2020-2021 - Director of the Department of Economic Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

From 2016-2020 - Consul General of Ukraine in Shanghai.

From 2014-2016 - Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Federation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

From 2011-2014 - Deputy Director of the Department of Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

From 2006-2011 - Head of the Trade and Economic Mission at the Embassy of Ukraine in China.