For roughly three years, Bridget Brink has served as America's ambassador to Ukraine since her appointment by then-President Joe Biden.

However, Brink's service in Kyiv came to an abrupt end this week when it was announced that she is stepping down. 

Departure plans confirmed

According to The Hill, a spokesperson for the State Department confirmed Brink's departure in a statement that was provided on Thursday.

"She’s been the ambassador there for three years -- that’s a long time in a war zone. And frankly, the war has gone on for far too long," the statement read.

"The real issue is whether the Russians and Ukrainians are ready to do what’s necessary to end this war," it went on to declare.

The Hill explained that Brink began working for the State Department in 1996 and previously served as U.S. ambassador to Slovakia.

Brink issues statement

The Hill noted how news of Brink's departure came in the wake of comments she made regarding a recent Russian attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown.

The U.S. ambassador said in a social media post that she was "horrified that tonight a ballistic missile struck near a playground and restaurant in Kryvyi Rih."

"More than 50 people injured and 16 killed, including 6 children," Brink continued before adding, "This is why the war must end."

Those remarks were not well received by Zelensky, who lashed out at the ambassador in a social media post of his own last week.

Zelensky slams "weak," "disappointing" reaction

"Unfortunately, the response from the U.S. Embassy is surprisingly disappointing -- such a strong country, such a strong people, and yet such a weak reaction," Zelensky complained.

Tragically, three-year-old Tymofii died in the hospital today. Seven-year-old Radyslav. Arina, who will forever be seven as well. Nine-year-old Herman. Fifteen-year-old Danylo. Fifteen-year-old Mykyta. Fifteen-year-old Alina. Kostiantyn, who will forever be sixteen. Nikita –… pic.twitter.com/3jz4XS0YgI

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 5, 2025

"They are afraid to even say the word ‘Russian’ when speaking about the missile that murdered children," he added. "We must not be afraid to pressure the one who continues this war and ignores all the world’s proposals to end it."

Zelensky went on to insist that his country counts "on the strength of the world to overcome this evil -- this war, this Russian aggression."