Ukraine’s outgoing prime minister declined the offer to become ambassador to the US: ‘Go to hell’

Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s prime minister whose resignation is expected soon, has turned down an offer to become the country’s ambassador to the United States, sources told Ukrainska Pravda.

“Yulia refused outright. She just said, ‘Go to hell,’” one source told the outlet. Svyrydenko has not yet decided on her next move, but sources noted she has until September to decide.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Svyrydenko’s resignation on July 12, a move that automatically triggers the resignation of the entire cabinet. At that time, Zelensky stated that Svyrydenko had been offered the chance to lead a “new significant area in relations with a key partner,” without providing details.

Ukrainian media, citing sources, had previously reported that Svyrydenko would be appointed as Ukraine’s next ambassador to the United States. The news agency Interfax-Ukraine reported on July 12, citing sources, that the current ambassador, Olha Stefanishyna, was stepping down of her own accord. This has not been officially confirmed.