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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the country’s ambassador to the United States, Olga Stefanishyna, as Kyiv continues efforts to secure more US military support against Russia.
Zelensky announced Stefanishyna’s removal through a decree on Monday, following a government reshuffle that had signalled changes in key positions. The move comes as Ukraine pushes Washington for additional Patriot air defence systems to help defend against Russian missile attacks.
Stefanishyna said her departure was based on personal reasons and that she had requested to be relieved of her duties.
“The decision was my own and dictated by personal circumstances,” she said in a Facebook post.
She described her time as Ukraine’s envoy in Washington as “the greatest honour” of her life, adding that her team helped maintain US support during a difficult political period.
“We increased the supply of American weapons and maintained support precisely when the political climate in Washington was shifting against us,” Stefanishyna said.
Stefanishyna, a former deputy prime minister and justice minister, was appointed ambassador to the US in July 2025. Her role was considered vital as Ukraine relies heavily on American weapons and intelligence support in its war with Russia.
Relations between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump have previously faced tensions, although Trump has recently shown more support for the Ukrainian leader.
Ukrainian media reported that Stefanishyna is under investigation by the country’s anti-corruption agency over alleged wrongdoing, but she has not been formally charged.
Zelensky has not yet announced her replacement as ambassador to Washington.
