President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Estonian-born lawyer Roman Pipko as his nominee for America’s next ambassador to the tiny Baltic country.
The position requires Senate confirmation, and Republican control of the upper chamber should make such approval relatively easy to obtain. Still, the role could get more attention than normal because Estonia shares a border with Russia and is among the European countries most vocal about the need to defend Ukraine as it fights off a Russian invasion.
Pipko has represented U.S. interests at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Russian American Enterprise Fund, according to Trump’s announcement Friday night. He’s also represented U.S. companies and negotiated projects from Europe to Africa, according to the announcement. His work has included dealing with sanctions enforcement.
Pipko was born and raised in Estonia. “As a legal immigrant, he has lived the promise of America, and I trust that he will advance American interests in his new role,” Trump wrote.
