"Victoria Nuland, US Diplomat and Critic of Russia's War in Ukraine, Announces Retirement"
Victoria Nuland, the third-highest ranking U.S. diplomat known for her criticism of Russia's actions in Ukraine, is retiring from her post at the State Department. Nuland, who had a long career in foreign service, faced internal administration battles and was not chosen for the deputy Secretary of State position. She was praised for her leadership on Ukraine by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. John Bass, a former ambassador to Afghanistan, will temporarily replace her as under secretary.