The Deputy Secretary of State for Management & Resources Richard Verma has been given additional charge as the US Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery. US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has entrusted Verma with the number two position in the State Department and the responsibility of carrying forward the efforts of the US to support Ukraine’s economic recovery.
Verma who previously served as Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs from 2009 to 2011, and as U.S. Ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017, takes over from Penny Pritzker who stepped down from her role as U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery. During her year of service in the position since September 2023, Pritzker traveled to Ukraine six times. She helped secure trade through the Black Sea by creating vital war-risk insurance, lobbied the investments in Ukraine’s economy among American companies, and continuously advocated for increasing U.S. military aid for Ukraine.
“Special Representative Penny Pritzker has been a tireless advocate of Ukraine’s economic recovery,” Blinken said in a statement. “I am grateful for Penny’s public service, and for re-joining government and stepping into this role at such a critical time.” This dual role is being seen as an expansion of Verma’s responsibilities and a recognition of his distinguished career. His role is expected to be pivotal in advancing American interests and aiding Ukraine’s recovery.
Ukraine needs an estimated $486 billion to fully recover damaged infrastructure due to Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine. The US Congress has been Ukraine’s key ally since 2022, having approved $175 billion in assistance, including military, humanitarian, and financial aid.
“Deputy Secretary for Resources and Management Rich Verma is going to carry on the work that Special Envoy Penny Pritzker started. Verma is going to continue to build on the foundation that Special Envoy Pritzker laid when it comes to private sector engagement when it comes to working with our allies and partners to marshal the economic support that we know is so critical to the future of our Ukrainian partners. Verma is an experienced diplomat with extensive experience not just in government but also in the private sector, he has a unique position and perspective to build on Special Envoy Pritzker’s work,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters.