Important clarifications regarding the future of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission in the US have emerged in Washington. Ukrainian Ambassador Olena Stefanishina officially commented on information concerning her possible resignation and accusations of undeclared assets during a press conference on July 30. The diplomat refuted rumors that the President of Ukraine requested her to leave the post.
Zelenskyy does not demand resignation
According to a report by Suspilne, cited by RBC-Ukraine, Olena Stefanishina stated that Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects her to continue working as the head of the diplomatic mission. According to the ambassador, she prepared a work strategy even before arriving in the US, and the results of her activities meet Kyiv's expectations.
"He did not ask me to resign, and in fact, he does not want me to leave. He wants me to remain in the position. Because, essentially, even before I arrived here as an ambassador, I prepared a plan. We worked on it, and essentially, we are where we wanted to be," Stefanishina emphasized.
Accusations of conflict of interest
In addition to the career issue, the ambassador addressed the topic of accusations regarding undeclared assets and conflict of interest. Stefanishina noted that such attacks are often directed at people in the President's inner circle, calling it an "absolutely normal process" under current conditions.
The diplomat stated that she is ready to come to Ukraine to publicly provide all necessary explanations. She emphasized that the issues discussed are not related to the use of her official position, although the discussion around them continues.
Personnel changes in diplomacy and SBU
Stefanishina's statements came against the backdrop of previously voiced plans by Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding a possible change of ambassador to the US. It was reported that Yulia Sviridenko, former Prime Minister of Ukraine, is being considered for this position. However, judging by the ambassador's latest comments, no final decision on her resignation has been made.
These events are taking place against the backdrop of large-scale personnel reshuffles in Ukraine's security sector. Earlier, the President conducted a rotation of the leadership of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), appointing new heads to key posts in the central and regional departments of the agency.
