The decision to dismiss her, announced via a decree posted on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's website on 3/8, comes as Kyiv actively lobbies Washington for additional Patriot air defense missiles to counter attacks from Moskva.

In a Facebook post accompanied by her resignation letter, Stefanishyna stated that her decision was personal, citing private reasons. She also described her tenure in Washington as "the greatest honor of my life".

"We increased weapon supplies from the US and maintained their support at a time when the political landscape in Washington was shifting unfavorably for us," she added.

Olga Stefanishyna in Brussels, Belgium, in 2022. *Photo: AFP*

President Zelensky did not provide a reason for Stefanishyna's dismissal and has not yet announced a successor.

According to Ukrainian media, Stefanishyna is under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine concerning alleged irregularities at the Asset Management and Recovery Agency.

She was also accused in another corruption case in 2019. While not addressing these incidents in her statement, Stefanishyna indicated she would soon respond to related questions.

Stefanishyna was appointed Ukraine's ambassador to the US in 8/2025. Before that, she held senior leadership positions in the government for five years, serving as Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and concurrently as Minister of Justice in 2024.

Stefanishyna's ambassadorial role was crucial for Ukraine, a nation reliant on US weapon supplies and intelligence sharing in its conflict with Russia.

The relationship between President Zelensky and his US counterpart has often been volatile, experiencing turbulent periods. However, the US leader recently demonstrated more openness and support for Ukraine.

Vu Hoang (According to Reuters, AFP, AP)