From the sounds of it Nuland was pushed out because powerful people in and behind the government hold her (rightly so) wholly responsible for the debacle in Ukraine as well as the insane statements by NATO member states about putting troops on the ground there with the expectation that the US would come to their rescue when it goes south. There are probably some at the Pentagon and State Dept. who blame her for this as well as the missile strikes in Russia proper (that fits, she said after her last visit to Kiev that Russia was in for "some surprises").

Glad they clarified a few things. First, that Nuland had been appointed Acting Deputy Director of the State Dept. 7 months ago, which usually means the position will be permanent, but Kurt Campbell has now been appointed in her stead. John Bass will take over her other role in the State Dept.

Alexander points out several things about Blinken's announcement that may be relevant. He said she had retired, which would mean she wasn't coming back to the State Dept. And his comments about her passion, etc. though they sounded like praise could also have a double-edge to them. And it is more typical when someone retires or resigns for it to become effective say, after the election or at the end of the current administration. And Blinken's announcement didn't include "best wishes in her retirement" as you would typically expect.

The thinking is that this change reflects a pivot away from Ukraine to focus on China because both Campbell and Bass are China hawks.