Lock the White House Watch Newsletter for free
Your Guide to Washington and the World’s 2024 US Election Means
Ukrainian US ambassador Bridget Brink has resigned after increasing disagreements in policy with President Donald Trump’s administration, according to those familiar with her decision.
Her departure also comes amid a deterioration in working relationship with Ukrainian President Voldimee Zelensky, but people said this was not the reason for her to abandon her role.
Brink is a career diplomat appointed by Trump during his first term as Slovakia’s US ambassador. She was later appointed ambassador to Ukraine by President Joe Biden.
Those familiar with Brink’s decision to resign said pressure was growing from senior Trump administration members who questioned his willingness to support the Ukrainian strategy.
Trump’s policies regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have torn much of Biden’s work. Biden supported billions of dollars in military and financial support and imposed sanctions on Moscow.
Trump is seeking a rapid end to the war, seeking to normalize US relations with Russia through direct consultations with President Vladimir Putin, calling Zelenki the “dictator.”
A State Department spokesperson said, “Ambassador Brink has resigned. She has been the ambassador for three years. That’s a long time in the war zone.”
The White House and the State Department did not comment in response to questions about policy disagreements between the Trump administration and the brink.
Brink could not be immediately contacted for comment.
Tensions between Brink and Zelenskyy have been revealed recently. He issued a critical statement last week with the ambassador after a Russian missile attack on his hometown, Krivii Ri, which killed 20 people, including nine children.
Following the attack, Brink wrote on x: “We were terrified of a ballistic missile attack near a playground and restaurant in Cliviy Li tonight. Over 50 people, including six children, were injured and 16 were killed. This is why the war has to end.”
Zelenskyy pointed out that there was no direct attribute of responsibility for Brink’s attacks. telegram“Unfortunately, the reaction of the US Embassy is surprising. Such a strong country, such a strong people, and such a weak response. Also, when talking about missiles that killed children, they are afraid to say the word “Russian”. ”
Brink used her Latest Posts about x On Wednesday, it will be clear who is responsible for the attack.
“Today, I paid tribute to the families and loved ones of those killed in the Russian cluster missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on April 4th,” she wrote.
A Western Kiev diplomat said Brink had been a key defender of Kiev, both public and private, since the early weeks of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
She described her as a “strong character” and a “serious diplomat”, but it was at the expense of pressure from Trump and Zelensky’s offices.
Ukrainian officials said they consider Brink to be too critical of them, particularly the country’s efforts to eradicate established corruption.
Officials pointed to a notable change in her message recently. They thought it was in line with Trump’s and increasingly critical of Ukraine.
After a queue between Trump and Zelensky at the White House in February, Brink joined social media to support the US president.
FT review of Brink’s post about X After Trump took office on January 20th, there was a clear change in her official statement, particularly in relations with Russia.
75 days before Trump took office, she posted critically 53 times about the wars in Russia and Ukraine. 75 days later, she posted only five times with references to Russia, none of which were responsible for the attack.
Additional Reports by Steph Chavez of Washington
