Ukraine Appoints New US Ambassador Amid Corruption Probe
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky has appointed Olga Stefanishina, a former Deputy Prime Minister, as the country’s new ambassador to the United States, despite ongoing corruption investigations linked to her former political roles, reports 24brussels.
In a Wednesday evening address, Zelensky stated that all formal protocols for her appointment have been completed, instructing Stefanishina to prioritize implementing the defense agreements established with Washington.
Last month, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) launched an investigation into Stefanishina related to questionable asset transfers associated with her ex-husband. These concerns came to light through journalistic efforts involving the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA).
Though no formal charges have been filed against her, the inquiry coincided with Zelensky’s decision to abruptly curtail the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions. This move provoked significant backlash from the European Union, leading to threats to suspend financial aid and prompting widespread protests throughout Ukraine.
Further complicating her appointment, Stefanishina faces an ongoing corruption investigation originating from her time as Minister of Justice in 2014. She allegedly approved inflated contracts concerning Ukraine’s efforts toward EU accession, a claim she dismisses as exaggerated.
Under pressure from Western partners, Zelensky has reinstated the autonomy of NABU and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Despite this, anti-corruption officials express concerns about the ramifications of previous actions, reporting diminished cooperation from whistleblowers and apprehensions about political interference.
Stefanishina takes over from Oksana Markarova, who has been the ambassador to the U.S. since 2021 but lost favor following allegations from U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson regarding her interference in American elections on behalf of the Democratic Party.
