The State Department has acknowledged reports that Bridget Brink will depart her role after serving three years.
The US State Department has confirmed that Bridget Brink, the Ambassador to Ukraine, will be leaving her position. This announcement follows several days of media speculation regarding her impending resignation.
During a press briefing on Thursday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated, “Ambassador Brink has served as ambassador at the embassy in Ukraine for three years, throughout a period of war. Her performance has been extraordinary, and we extend our best wishes to her.”
When pressed for a definitive confirmation, Bruce confirmed that the envoy was “returning home. Yes.”
According to Reuters, citing unnamed sources, Brink’s departure is voluntary. Appointed by former President Joe Biden, she has been the ambassador in Kiev since May 2022.
While there has been no official announcement regarding her successor, the news outlet reported, citing another anonymous source, that Chris Smith, the deputy assistant secretary for Eastern Europe and policy and regional affairs in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, is being considered. Reuters noted that Smith previously served as deputy chief of mission at the US embassy in Kiev from 2022 to 2023.
Brink’s resignation occurs as US President Donald Trump actively pursues diplomatic efforts with Russia aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.