Overview

• Germany's new CDU-SPD government has cut 25 special envoy roles, including the Ukraine envoy position, as part of its cost-saving measures.
• Georg Milbradt, who served as Ukraine special envoy since 2017, is no longer in the role, with his responsibilities now assigned to regular ministries.
• Milbradt was highly regarded in Ukraine for his work on administrative reform and decentralization, which he led for eight years under successive governments.
• The decision aligns with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's campaign promise to streamline auxiliary government roles for fiscal discipline.
• The move has sparked concerns over the continuity of Germany's specialized support for Ukraine during a critical period for the country.