Ukraine Appoints Stefanishyna Ambassador to US

Olha Stefanishyna has been officially appointed as Ukraine's new Ambassador to the United States, succeeding Oksana Markarova, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky emphasized that Stefanishyna's primary mission is to fully implement Ukraine's agreements with the U.S., especially in defense cooperation, including weapons procurement and drone deals. Stefanishyna, a seasoned diplomat who previously served as Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration and briefly as Justice Minister, was named special envoy to the U.S. in July 2025 before her ambassadorial appointment. Zelensky expressed gratitude to Markarova for her service throughout the full-scale war and invited her to continue supporting the government. Stefanishyna's appointment comes at a critical juncture amid ongoing peace talks and continued Russian attacks, with the U.S. playing a key role in Ukraine's security. Additionally, there have been investigations into Stefanishyna's past, including allegations of possible misappropriation of funds and questions about her housing, but these have not impeded her diplomatic role.