US reopens embassy in Ukraine, approves new ambassador

Staff of the US Embassy in Ukraine on May 18 – Photo: AP

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said with the support of the US, who Ukraine defended their homeland during the conflict with Russia, and as a result, the American flag once again flew over the country’s embassy in Kiev.

“We are proud to stand with and continue to support the government and the people of Ukraine as they defend their country,” Blinken said.

The US State Department closed the US Embassy in Kiev on February 14, 10 days before Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine.

American diplomats continue to work from the western Ukrainian city of Lviv and sometimes in neighboring Poland due to security concerns.

The US embassy in Kiev reopened a few weeks after Russian forces failed to control the capital Kiev and northern Ukraine and shifted their focus to eastern and southern Ukraine.

“As we take this important step, we have put in place additional measures to enhance the safety of our colleagues who are returning to Kiev,” Blinken said.

Late on May 18, the US Senate also approved Bridget Brink, a veteran diplomat, to become the new US ambassador to Ukraine. Previously, in April, US President Joe Biden announced the nomination of Bridget Brink for this position.

The US has not had a permanent diplomatic representation in Ukraine since 2019, after former US President Donald Trump fired US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.