Two days after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Olha Stefanishyna as Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, she has been formally named a suspect in an anti-corruption investigation. The High Anti-Corruption Court in Kyiv held a hearing on Wednesday, according to Ukraine's state broadcaster Suspilne.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) served Stefanishyna with a notice of suspicion on 5 August. The charges relate to alleged failure to declare two apartments, cash used for renovations, airline tickets, and rent on another apartment. She is also accused of not disclosing her use of a car registered to one of her subordinates.
Prosecutors say her spending exceeded her declared income and savings. The investigation comes amid a broader wartime reshuffle of Ukraine's government that began in mid-July, which has raised questions about the integrity of senior officials.
Stefanishyna responds
In a statement on Facebook, Stefanishyna said she viewed the investigation “calmly and without unnecessary emotion.” She stressed that procedural actions are part of the lawful work of the law enforcement system and do not amount to a finding of guilt.
She added that she had already addressed many of the issues raised in the media, including those concerning real estate, and had provided journalists with all necessary documents regarding the apartment in question. “The burden of proving allegations lies with those who make them,” she wrote. “As for me, I will do what I must: calmly and lawfully defend my position. I have no doubt about the outcome.”
Zelenskyy's decree on 3 August gave no reason for her dismissal. Stefanishyna said she decided to step down from her Washington post for “personal reasons.”
The case has drawn attention because Stefanishyna was a key figure in Ukraine's diplomatic efforts, particularly in securing Western support. Her role as ambassador to the US was seen as crucial amid ongoing uncertainty over military aid and as Ukraine pushes for deeper integration with the European Union.
Ukraine has been under pressure from international partners to strengthen its anti-corruption framework, especially as it seeks to join the EU. The bloc has made rule-of-law reforms a central part of the accession process, and support for Ukraine's EU bid varies across member states.
The investigation into Stefanishyna is being handled by Ukraine's specialized anti-corruption bodies, which were established with Western backing. The outcome could have implications for public trust in the government's reform efforts.
Stefanishyna's legal team has not yet commented on the specifics of the allegations. The case is expected to proceed through the courts, with the next hearing likely to be scheduled in the coming weeks.
