Ukraine’s former ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, has become the focus of a major anti-corruption investigation. Authorities officially named her as a suspect just days after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed her from the diplomatic post. The Ukraine ex-ambassador corruption probe has drawn widespread attention because it involves one of the country’s most senior former officials.
Ukraine Ex-Ambassador Corruption Probe Begins
Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne reported that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) issued Stefanishyna with a formal notice of suspicion on August 5.
The High Anti-Corruption Court in Kyiv is now reviewing the case.
Prosecutors claim Stefanishyna failed to declare two apartments. They also allege she did not report cash used for renovations, airline tickets, and rent on another property.
Investigators further claim she used a vehicle registered to one of her subordinates without declaring it.
According to prosecutors, her spending exceeded her reported income and savings.
Stefanishyna Denies Wrongdoing
Stefanishyna responded on Facebook shortly after investigators announced the case.
She said she remained calm and intended to defend herself through the legal process.
She stressed that an investigation does not prove guilt.
The former ambassador also said she had already answered questions about her finances. She added that she had provided journalists with documents related to the apartment mentioned in recent reports.
“The burden of proof belongs to those making the allegations,” she wrote. She also expressed confidence that the legal process would confirm her position.
Dismissal Followed Weeks of Speculation
President Zelenskyy dismissed Stefanishyna on August 3 without giving an official reason.
For weeks, media reports suggested that the corruption investigation could affect her diplomatic position.
Stefanishyna later said she left the ambassador’s role for personal reasons.
Government Changes Continue
Her departure came during a wider government reshuffle in Ukraine.
Political analysts had expected changes in several senior positions.
Reports indicated that former Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko could become Ukraine’s next ambassador to Washington after the cabinet changes.
The Ukraine ex-ambassador corruption probe now places fresh attention on the country’s anti-corruption agencies as they continue investigating senior public officials during wartime.