Dmytro Kushneruk
Dmytro Kushneruk is a Ukrainian diplomat, currently serving as Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco. Kushneruk holds the diplomatic rank of Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Envoy First class and oversees consular services in 10 US states, with significant Ukrainian Americans populations. During Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kushneruk engaged with several U.S. state governments, including California, Washington State and Utah, as well as Arizona House of Representatives and Sacramento city officials, on the coordination of material support for Ukraine. He engaged with U.S. lawmakers, including representative Ro Khanna, on matters related to military aid for Ukraine.
Education
Kushneruk is a graduate of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, holding a Master's degree in International Law, he also graduated from the National University Odesa Law Academy.Diplomatic career
Kushneruk joined diplomatic service in 2006 and worked at Office of the President of Ukraine. In 2012-2014 Kushneruk was posted as Counsellor at the Permanent mission of Ukraine to the United Nations in New York City. In 2014-2020 Kushneruk served as Deputy Chief of Protocol to the President of Ukraine. Kushneruk was appointed Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco in July 2020.Improving US-Ukraine relations
Kushneruk participated in public events in the San Francisco Bay Area related to U.S.–Ukraine relationsand supported the development of sister-city partnerships between Ukrainian and Californian municipalities. He hosted visiting Ukrainian veterans and coordinated medical projects focused on prosthetics for those who lost limbs. Kushneruk represented Ukrainian UAV manufacturers by helping establish partnerships with US businesses and organized their participation in Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas. As Ukraine's official representative, he delivered remarks during celebratory events.
Response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine
California
During Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Kushneruk coordinated with Governor Gavin Newsom the scope and extent of California's efforts to support the people and government of Ukraine. In a March 2022 meeting with the US Congressman Ro Khanna, Kushneruk successfully advocated for greater US military aid for Ukraine, particularly anti-tank weapons, anti-aircraft missiles and aircraft, but found disagreement on establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Kushneruk personally received shipments of aid to Ukraine from California government agencies.On March 22, 2023, Kushneruk was a featured speaker in a panel event titled "Consuls General on International Security and the Path to Peace." This event was held in San Francisco, moderated by the CEO of The Commonwealth Club, and included Consuls General from Republic of Georgia, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine. Kushneruk also delivered a keynote presentation at an event organized by the Commonwealth Club of California World Affairs chapter in Napa Valley, titled "Dateline Ukraine: The Road Ahead," on October 3, 2024.
Arizona and Utah
In Arizona, Kushneruk worked with lawmakers and Governor Spencer Cox, culmninating in a Memorandum of Understanding with the Arizona Defense & Industry Coalition and Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. He also held discussions with Utah officials, including the state’s governor and religious leaders.Coordinating medical airlift to Ukraine from Seattle
Kushneruk, as Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco, played an important role in advocating for and highlighting the transatlantic shipment of vital humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The effort was organized by Nova Ukraine, the Ukrainian Association of Washington State, and partnering organizations. The cargo included critical items such as surgical kits, anesthesia machines, vital monitors, sterile syringes, bandages, and specialized first aid kits for pre-hospital trauma care—supplies identified in consultation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and distributed to hospitals and front-line responders across the country. Kushneruk coordinated the shipment of 32 tons of medical supplies, valued at approximately $3.5 million, with Governor Jay Inslee and the Port of Seattle. He was present at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport during the loading of the supplies, which were intended for humanitarian use in Ukraine.The successful cargo airlift was widely recognized as a testament to cross-community cooperation and marked a significant moment of solidarity between the Ukrainian diaspora, American organizations, and officials.