Bridget Brink served as the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine from May 2022. However, she resigned in April 2025. On Friday, she revealed her reasons in an op-ed for the Detroit Free Press. According to her, she stepped down because she disagreed with US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy.

She Criticized Trump’s Approach to Ukraine

In her piece, Brink expressed frustration with how the Trump administration handled the war. She stated, “I respect the president’s right and responsibility to determine U.S. foreign policy ― with proper checks and balances by U.S. Congress.”
Still, she added, “Unfortunately, the policy since the beginning of the Trump administration has been to put pressure on the victim, Ukraine, rather than on the aggressor, Russia.”

Long Diplomatic Career Influenced Her Decision

Brink worked as a U.S. diplomat for decades. Yet, she chose to resign. She felt it was her duty. As she explained, “Peace at any price is not peace at all ― it is appeasement.”
Therefore, she believed she could no longer serve under a policy she did not support.

Her Tone Shifted Under Trump’s Leadership

Previously, during President Joe Biden’s term, Brink often voiced strong support for Ukraine. But after Trump took office in January 2025, she changed her public stance. Since Trump aimed to quickly end the war, she adopted a more neutral tone.

Zelenskyy Publicly Criticized Brink

In April, a Russian missile hit Kryvyi Rih and killed 20 civilians, including 9 children. Soon after, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Brink. He claimed her reaction to the strike was weak and disappointing.

State Department Announced Her Departure

Several days after the missile attack, the U.S. State Department confirmed that Brink was stepping down. At the time, officials gave no detailed reason. Nevertheless, Brink’s op-ed has now clarified that her departure was tied to her policy disagreements.

A Stand on Principles

Clearly, Brink left her position over a matter of principle. She could not support a foreign policy that, in her words, targeted Ukraine more than Russia. Consequently, her resignation reflects ongoing tensions within U.S. leadership on handling the war in Ukraine.