Ukraine shakes up government, appoints new prime minister amid defense minister's ouster and protests

Ukraine's political landscape is in flux following a major government shake-up, culminating in the appointment of Sergij Koretskyj as the new prime minister. Koretskyj, formerly the CEO of Ukraine's state oil and gas company Naftogaz, secured 289 votes in the national assembly. He declared his priorities as Ukraine's defense, economic stability, and integration into the EU.

The reshuffling follows President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's surprise announcement of significant government changes. The departure of Defense Minister Mykhajlo Fedorov has been particularly contentious. Fedorov, who became Ukraine's youngest minister six months ago and is seen as the face of the country's drone warfare program, alleged a deep conflict with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj, whom he accused of trying to divide the war-torn nation.

Fedorov's dismissal triggered street protests in Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv, and Kharkiv. President Zelenskyy acknowledged internal defense issues that require targeted solutions. He indicated that he is still considering candidates for the defense minister position and expressed confidence that Fedorov would remain influential within his circle. The president's statements suggest a focus on resolving internal military disputes while maintaining a strategic direction for the country's defense and integration efforts.