Ukrainian Ambassador Olga Stefanishyna highlighted the changing relationship between Kyiv and Washington during a press briefing at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast. She attributed recent improvements in communication to key leadership changes in both the U.S. State Department and the White House. Ukraine is now working to showcase its contributions rather than just making requests, focusing on real-world projects like defense partnerships and building Patriot missile systems.
Stefanishyna noted that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken to President Trump over the phone twice in the past six weeks and met with him in person on three occasions, including a recent meeting just days ago. This represents a major shift in tone from the tense Oval Office meeting between Trump and Vice President JD Vance in February 2025, where disagreements were more evident.
Ukraine's New Approach to Shaping European Security
The ambassador outlined Ukraine's efforts to reposition itself as a vital part of European security. This new direction includes actively countering the false perception that Russia is making gains in the war, which has already lasted five years. Kyiv is now striving to reshape how the conflict is understood on the global stage.
Ukraine is shifting its diplomatic strategy to focus on delivering specific achievements to the Trump administration. These accomplishments include progress on defense collaboration and advancements in manufacturing Patriot missile systems. Stefanishyna confirmed that there are ongoing discussions about possible visits to Kyiv by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, but no set timeline has been announced for these trips.
Stefanishyna emphasized the importance of air defense systems for Ukraine. She mentioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's presence at a recent Oval Office meeting and said that while there are no firm promises yet for more defenses before winter, talks are ongoing about long-term procurement plans. These discussions also include potential missile exchanges with countries that already have contracts in place.
On the topic of the Middle East conflict, Stefanishyna made it clear that Ukraine is not trying to link it to its war with Russia. She described a recent strike on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea as accidental and said Kyiv quickly reached out diplomatically to prevent tensions from escalating further.
The ambassador spoke highly of Ukraine's long-range missile strikes into Russia, noting that the weapons have reached areas that have never seen such attacks in centuries. She explained that these operations are having a strong psychological impact, helping Russians to see the war as something that affects the entire nation.
Stefanishyna revealed that she has decided to resign due to domestic political challenges and an ongoing investigation related to asset declarations. She clarified that Zelenskyy did not ask her to leave and wanted her to continue working on key negotiations regarding military support and Patriot system production.
When questioned about the recent visit to Ukraine by conservative activist Laura Loomer, Stefanishyna said she couldn’t comment on whether the embassy was involved in organizing the trip or how it was funded. She did, however, mention that Zelenskyy enjoyed the interview with Loomer and found it engaging.
According to Stefanishyna, progress is being made toward producing Patriot missiles in Ukraine. Raytheon teams have already been in the country, and Lockheed Martin is in the process of securing permission to send technical staff. The White House has asked for a comprehensive plan for this project following a recent meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump.
Stefanishyna also highlighted the importance of diplomacy in achieving a ceasefire before what she described as a potentially deadly winter. She pointed to recent events, such as a Russian missile reaching Polish soil, as proof that the threat to Ukraine is not confined to its borders. Ukraine has taken steps to address this threat, though she admitted it was unable to destroy the missile that reached Poland.
The ambassador expressed optimism about the potential passage of a bill being developed by late Senator Lindsey Graham, which would impose tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil and add more sanctions. She believes that if the bill becomes law within two to three months, it could significantly damage Russia's economy and discourage others from supporting Moscow.
Stefanishyna also shared a lighter moment, revealing that she had recommended Loomer's stop at a Kyiv McDonald's and that Zelenskyy had laughed during their interview with her. She described the encounter as a fun and unexpected moment during what has otherwise been a serious diplomatic mission.