Zelenskyy Dismisses Ukrainian Ambassador to U.S. Amid Ongoing Investigation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed Olha Stefanyshyna from her post as Ambassador and Plenipotentiary Representative of Ukraine to the United States on Monday. The dismissal follows expectations set by the cabinet reshuffle carried out in July.

A presidential decree published on the official Ukrainian presidential website formally states: “Olha Stefanyshyna is dismissed from the position of Ambassador and Plenipotentiary Representative of Ukraine to the United States.”

Background of the investigation

According to a report published last month by the British newspaper Financial Times, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies are conducting an investigation into Stefanyshyna concerning allegations that she purchased an apartment in Kyiv at a price significantly below its market value.

Stefanyshyna has denied the accusations leveled against her. She informed President Zelenskyy of her readiness to leave her post in Washington, the Financial Times reported.

Successor speculation

Speculation points to former Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko as the likely candidate to succeed Stefanyshyna in the ambassadorial role.

Zelenskyy also appointed the country’s chief peace negotiator as head of foreign intelligence, according to the same decree.