A major diplomatic shift in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced his ambassador to the United States, a move seen as a long-delayed signal to the Trump administration.

In a decree issued Wednesday, Zelenskyy dismissed Oksana Markarova, who had served in Washington since 2021. In his nightly video address, the president thanked her for carrying out what he called a “difficult mission,” and invited her to remain part of his team in a new capacity.

Her successor is former Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna. The 39-year-old lawyer has been a key figure in Ukraine’s push for closer ties with Europe and NATO. She was already tapped in July as a special envoy to Washington during a sweeping government shakeup in Kyiv.

The ambassadorial change comes at a sensitive moment. Donald Trump is pressing to secure an end to Russia’s full-scale invasion, while Kyiv and its allies push for peace terms that protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and provide security guarantees.

Markarova, once a close partner of the Biden administration, played a central role in rallying U.S. support after Russia’s 2022 invasion. But her standing weakened with Trump’s return to the White House. Last year, she drew fire from Trump allies after helping arrange Zelenskyy’s visit to a Pennsylvania ammunition plant during the height of the U.S. election campaign. The appearance in a critical swing state sparked Republican accusations of political interference.

Amid growing pressure, including a letter from House Speaker Mike Johnson urging her removal, Zelenskyy has now acted. By appointing Stefanishyna, Kyiv is signaling a recalibration of its diplomatic strategy as the balance of power shifts in Washington.

Reporting by Lisa Lomami.