Julie Davis to Exit Kyiv Post in June 2026, Retire

Julie Davis, the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine and ambassador to Cyprus, will step down as chargé d'affaires in Kyiv in June 2026 and retire from the State Department after more than three decades in the Foreign Service, officials confirmed Tuesday.

Davis assumed the interim role in Kyiv on May 5, 2025, following the resignation of her predecessor, Bridget Brink. Brink, who had served as ambassador since 2022, left amid reported objections to the Trump administration's Ukraine policy. Davis, a career diplomat, continued in both posts, including appearances at U.S. Embassy events in Nicosia and alongside Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

The State Department rejected reports attributing Davis's departure to frustration with President Donald Trump's policies or reduced U.S. support for Ukraine. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott described the characterization as false. "Ambassador Davis has been a steadfast proponent of the Trump administration's efforts to bring about a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine," Pigott said. "She will continue to proudly advance President Trump's policies until she officially departs Kyiv in June 2026 and retires from the Department."