Stefanishyna rules out returning to public office following 6M bail ruling

Stefanishyna stated her immediate priority is ensuring her family's safety and defending her position in court against the allegations brought by NABU and SAP.

"You know, the vibe here at the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) isn't great," the former ambassador declared.

"My plan is to ensure the safety of my family, avoid threats that my family members and I receive, preserve their mental health, and defend my position in court. I have further plans regarding work, but for now, they are not connected to civil service."

Stefanishyna added that she will consult with lawyers regarding a possible appeal of the preventive measure ruling, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty wrote.

"I don't have the funds — neither 13, nor 10, nor 6 [million UAH]. But, of course, I will look for these funds to be able to post bail," she said.

On Aug. 6, HACC selected a preventive measure for Stefanishyna in the form of bail amounting to 6 million UAH ($134k). Suspilne wrote that the former ambassador is also required to appear upon summons by NABU detectives, report changes in her place of residence, and refrain from communicating with witnesses in the case concerning illicit enrichment and false declaration.

According to the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, Stefanishyna failed to declare two apartments in Kyiv, expenses for their renovation, housing rental, use of a Mercedes-Benz, as well as payments for airline tickets and her mother's medical treatment.

Suspicion Against Stefanishyna 

On Aug. 5, reports surfaced that NABU and SAP served a notice of suspicion to former Vice Prime Minister for European Integration Olha Stefanishyna, who stepped down as Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States on Aug. 3. According to prosecutors, the case involves facts of property acquisition by third parties acting on behalf of the suspect.

The former official later responded to the suspicion, stating she has nothing to hide.

"Any procedural actions are part of the legal work of the law enforcement system, not proven guilt. I approach these events calmly and without unnecessary emotions, and the noise around this story is more like a storm in a teacup," she wrote on social media.

Stefanishyna earlier received a notice of suspicion in a NABU case involving an associate of Viktor Yanukovych — former Minister of Justice Olena Lukash. That proceeding alleges Lukash and other suspects misappropriated funds totaling 2.5 million UAH (approx. $56k) allocated in 2013–2014 for harmonizing national legislation with EU law.