International

Former Ukrainian envoy Stefanishyna charged in corruption probe

Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities have formally named former ambassador to the United States Olga Stefanishyna a suspect in an illicit enrichment investigation.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) served Stefanishyna with a formal notice of suspicion on August 5.

Undeclared assets and expenses

Prosecutors allege that Stefanishyna failed to declare two apartments, cash holdings, flight tickets, and rental payments for another property.

Investigators also suspect her of using a vehicle registered under a subordinate. According to prosecutors, her personal expenses significantly exceeded her declared income and savings.

Defense and legal stance

Stefanishyna responded to the allegations in a statement on Facebook, noting she is approaching the investigation calmly and within the legal framework.

She emphasized that procedural actions do not constitute a finding of guilt and stated she had already provided journalists with documentation regarding the property in question.

Political background

President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Stefanishyna from her diplomatic post on August 3 via a presidential decree that cited no official reasons.

The move follows weeks of speculation surrounding a broader cabinet reshuffle initiated in mid-July.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

Liubomir Guțu

Liubomir Guțu

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