Zelensky dismisses Ukraine’s ambassador to the US in presidential decree

Olha Stefanishyna’s departure coincides with a recent shake-up of top officials including the replacement of the PM and defence minister

President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, in a presidential decree published on Monday.

Stefanishyna had been in her job for nearly a year. Her departure had been expected for several weeks.

Her departure coincides with a shake-up in recent weeks of top officials, including the replacement of the prime minister and defence minister. A reshuffle of Ukraine’s diplomatic and ambassadorial appointments is also expected.

Stefanishyna, writing on Facebook, said the decision to leave her post was “my own decision, driven by personal circumstances” and said she had accomplished much during her time in the post.

She called her posting to Washington “the greatest honour” of her life.

“We increased the supply of American weapons and maintained support precisely when the political climate in Washington was shifting against us,” she wrote.

Ukraine’s Suspilne public broadcaster quoted Stefanishyna last week as telling reporters in Washington that Zelensky had not sought her resignation.