Ukraine’s ambassador departs Finland after nearly four years

By admin On Jun 13, 2025

Ukraine’s ambassador to Finland Olha Dibrova. Photo: The Finnish Government

Olha Dibrova, Ukraine’s ambassador to Finland, is leaving her post after serving since October 2020.

The embassy in Helsinki confirmed that her departure follows the standard diplomatic rotation. She is scheduled to return to Ukraine on Sunday.

Dibrova will continue her career at the Ukrainian Ministry for Foreign Affairs. She told Iltalehti she has not yet determined her next role, but her focus will remain on fostering cooperation between Ukraine and Finland.

Before her assignment in Helsinki, Dibrova worked as Deputy Director of the Europe Department and headed the State Protocol Department at the Ministry.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Dibrova became a prominent public figure in Finland. She has frequently appeared in media and participated in public discussions about the war and Ukraine’s needs.

In her farewell message, Dibrova thanked the Finnish people for their “unwavering, empathetic, and steadfast solidarity.” She expressed particular gratitude to Finnish policymakers, the media, companies, and citizens.

“Finland’s actions have been exceptional,” she said, referring to both humanitarian and military support, as well as the reception given to Ukrainians fleeing the war. “This is not just government policy. It is a national embrace.”

According to Dibrova, her ambassadorial tenure marked a significant period in Finnish-Ukrainian relations. Over the past two years, the two countries have signed nine memoranda of understanding.

“We now share values, goals, and a future,” she said. “We are partners for life.”

Myhailo Vydoinyk, 47, will succeed Dibrova. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed him in April. Vydoinyk previously served as Ukraine’s ambassador to Denmark from 2018 to 2023 and will begin his work in Helsinki later in June.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi