Zelensky Dismisses Ukraine's Ambassador to the US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Oksana Markarova from her post as Ukraine's ambassador to the United States. The decree was published on Monday, marking the end of Markarova's nearly year-long tenure in Washington.

Her departure had been anticipated for several weeks and coincides with a series of recent changes in top Ukrainian government positions, including the dismissal of the prime minister and defense minister. Further shifts within Ukraine's diplomatic network and ambassadorial appointments are expected.

Markarova addressed her departure on Facebook, describing it as a "personal decision driven by personal circumstances." She highlighted her accomplishments during her term, stating, "We increased the supply of American weapons and maintained support at a time when the political climate in Washington was changing and not in our favor."

Earlier reports had indicated that Zelensky had not requested her resignation. Ukrainian media cited Markarova telling journalists in Washington that the president had not asked for her departure. She also mentioned on Facebook that she would address other media reports concerning the circumstances of her exit. Ukrainian media had previously suggested that Markarova had informed the president of her intention to leave her post last month, with some reports referencing ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities in her asset declarations.