US ambassador resigns: pressure from Kiev and Washington

US ambassador resigns: pressure from Kiev and Washington

When U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink resigned two days ago, she was under pressure from both President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration in Kiev and her boss in Washington, President Donald Trump. People from their environment reported on this.

Exit under difficult circumstances

Brink was about to spend three years in a war zone, away from her family, which also had a stressful effect on her. A Foreign Ministry spokesman praised her “extraordinary performance.”

Changes in US-Ukraine relations

Her sudden resignation marks the latest upheaval in relations between Washington and Kiev since the Trump administration took over the helm and changed US policy drastically Ukraineland reoriented towards Russia.

Brink's beliefs and challenges

A former Ukrainian official who was positive about Brink explained that she felt she could no longer do the right thing under the new administration. "She was a very systematic supporter of Ukraine during her three years in Kiev. Her principles did not allow her to do the opposite," the former official said in a confidential interview.

The pressure is growing

Brink began her duties in May 2022, just months after Russia's full invasion of Ukraine. While Kiev's key contacts in the White House - particularly security adviser Jake Sullivan - played a central role in the Biden era, Brink was very visible in the country and on social media, where she promoted the Biden administration's policies on military as well as humanitarian aid.

Professional recognition

Western European ambassadors who worked with her in Ukraine praised her work ethic and professionalism. “Tough, sometimes almost like a machine, but with real commitment and fire,” said one of them in agreement.

Political upheavals and their consequences

The challenges posed by the apparent reversal in U.S. policy created tensions in Brink's communications, particularly in two of her social media posts. The first post was a retweet of a post by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, just hours after Zelensky was publicly attacked by Trump and his deputy JD Vance at a meeting at the White House.

Reactions to her tweets

Rubio's tweet, which Brink shared separately in Ukrainian, was commented on by 1,700 users with surprise that someone who previously so vocally supported Ukraine was now mocking the president. “Stand back and maintain your dignity,” was one of the more polite responses, while many showed significantly less restraint.

Attacks on civilians and public unrest

A week before her resignation, she tweeted again after a Russian missile hit the southern Ukrainian town of Kryvyi Rih, causing the heaviest civilian casualties since the start of the year.

Zelenskyj's sharp criticism

In his late-night address, Zelensky responded sharply to Brink's silence on Russia, pointing out their inadequate response.

Difficulties in diplomacy

Relations with Zelensky's office have been increasingly strained due to the Biden administration's perceived excessive caution in transferring weapons to Ukraine. Brink, as the highest-ranking US official in Ukraine, was often confronted with Kiev's displeasure, and her relationship with Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, was particularly difficult.

Statements on combating corruption

Brink also vehemently called for the introduction of anti-corruption measures and reforms to promote transparency. These were seen at home as crucial to winning over skeptics in Congress to approve support legislation for Ukraine. In Kiev, however, according to Andy Hunder of the American Chamber of Commerce, this called their popularity into question.

Filtered feedback and external pressure

A former European ambassador who was in Kiev at the same time as Brink was more blunt: "She never sugar-coated things...she was always very clear about the standards she met in Washington, and I think that annoyed her with many."

Conclusion: uncertainty after resignation

The former Ukrainian official expressed concern about Brink's resignation, saying: "We were lucky to have a great supporter. Now there is uncertainty."