Zelensky dismisses Olha Stefanishyna as US ambassador

President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Olha Stefanishyna from her post as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States on Monday, August 3, according to a decree published on the presidential website. The move is part of a sweeping government reshuffle that began in mid-July and has included changes to the cabinet and other key posts.

No specific reason was provided for Stefanishyna’s removal. The dismissal follows weeks of speculation about her future and comes amid reports of an ongoing criminal investigation into her conduct. She has been investigated by anti-corruption authorities in connection with alleged irregularities involving Ukraine’s Asset Recovery and Management Agency, though she has not been formally charged. Media reports have previously alleged that companies linked to her former husband received contracts to manage seized assets while she served as deputy prime minister.

At a press conference in Washington on Thursday, July 30, Stefanishyna acknowledged an attempt to bring charges against her over asset declarations but described the scrutiny as a normal process. She stated she was prepared to return to Ukraine to answer the allegations if necessary, calling the...