Ukrainian US ambassador, seen with head in hands during Oval Office meeting, is departing DC

Ukraine announced Ambassador Oksana Markarova's departure Thursday following controversy and calls for her removal by House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Oksana Markarova, Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S., puts her head in her hand during a heated exchange in February between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. (Photo/Pool) (Fox News)

Markarova has also faced criticism from Republicans for being overly partisan in her dealings with Washington. House Speaker Mike Johnson called her out in September 2024 for hosting what he described as a campaign event for Democrats just weeks before the general elections.

The event saw Zelenskyy visit a munitions factory in Pennsylvania alongside Democratic politicians and officials. Johnson noted that no Republicans were invited to the event and demanded Zelenskyy fire Markarova.

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) called on Zelenskyy to fire Amd. Oksana Markarova ahead of the 2024 general elections last year. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

He said the "shortsighted and intentionally political move" prompted Republicans to "lose trust" in Markarova’s ability to fairly and effectively serve as a diplomat.

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"She should be removed from her post immediately," Johnson wrote.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.

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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ukrainian-us-ambassador-seen-head-hands-during-oval-office-meeting-departing-dc