Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday a planned reshuffle of his cabinet, requesting Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko to step down after a tenure of just one year.
In a statement on X, Zelenskyy provided limited specifics but emphasized that Kyiv was “adjusting its political strategy.”
This move follows three prior reshuffles of senior officials throughout the ongoing four-and-a-half-year conflict with Russia.
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What prompted the reshuffle?
Zelenskyy stated on X that he had consulted with Svyrydenko, and together they determined “a reshuffle of the Cabinet is necessary.”
He praised Svyrydenko’s contributions, writing: “I am grateful to Yuliia for her clear, steady, and effective work as Prime Minister, and for her years of productive service to Ukraine’s team.”
Svyrydenko has been offered the opportunity to lead a “new and significant area of relations with a key partner,” though further details were not disclosed.
Opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak suggested Svyrydenko, known for her role in securing a minerals agreement with Washington, might be considered for the U.S. ambassador position.
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Potential successors emerge
While Zelenskyy did not name a successor, former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, currently serving as Energy Minister, is viewed as a likely candidate for return after just a year, according to Ukrainian lawmakers cited by Reuters.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Serhiy Koretskyi, head of the state energy company Naftogaz, are also reported as potential contenders.
Zelenskyy later shared images of separate discussions with Shmyhal, Fedorov, and Koretskyi.
He also outlined plans to reorganize leadership within Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies.
Under Ukrainian law, the Prime Minister’s resignation requires parliamentary approval and triggers the resignation of the entire government.
Svyrydenko signals readiness for next role
Svyrydenko, previously deputy prime minister and economy minister, stated she was “proud to have had the honor of leading the government during one of the most challenging periods in Ukraine’s modern history.”
On X, she mentioned discussions with Zelenskyy regarding “next steps” but did not elaborate further.
“I remain prepared to serve the Ukrainian state and fulfill every responsibility aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position, defending national interests, and advancing the cause of a just peace,” she added.
Svyrydenko recently played a key role in managing the fallout from Ukraine’s most significant corruption scandal to date.
The case centered on a $100 million kickback scheme at the state nuclear company Energoatom, where officials and contractors allegedly demanded 10% to 15% bribes on procurement contracts.
Following the investigation, Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk resigned.
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