Zelensky announces government reshuffle, Prime Minister removed

President Volodymyr Zelensky has initiated another government reshuffle, signaling significant personnel changes aimed at implementing a new political strategy. The latest move sees Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko depart after just one year, a decision that reportedly surprised even members of Zelensky's Servant of the People party.

Zelensky announced the changes on X, formerly Twitter, stating, "Personnel changes will begin in Ukraine to ensure the implementation of the new political strategy." He expressed gratitude to Svyrydenko, noting he had "offered her the opportunity to lead a new and important sector of relations with a key partner," without providing further details. This has fueled media speculation, with some reports suggesting the former Economy Minister, who played a key role in a minerals agreement with Washington, could be appointed ambassador to the U.S.

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Personnel changes will begin in Ukraine to ensure the implementation of the new political strategy.

Should this move materialize, Svyrydenko would replace Olga Stefanishyna, who has also served for approximately one year. Ukrainian media outlet Rbc Ukraine suggests Stefanishyna might be under scrutiny from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). This follows a 2025 corruption scandal within Zelensky's inner circle that led to a significant government shake-up in January of the current year, resulting in the dismissal of Andriy Yermak, the former head of the presidential office.

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offered her the opportunity to lead a new and important sector of relations with a key partner

Amidst the speculation surrounding Svyrydenko's future, attention has turned to her potential successor. Media reports indicate Serhii Koretskyi, the current head of the state energy company Naftogaz, is a frontrunner. Other names circulating include Denys Shmyhal, who previously served as prime minister before Svyrydenko and currently heads the Ministry of Energy, as well as Mykhailo Fedorov, the current Defense Minister, and Ihor Terekhov, the mayor of Kharkiv. Zelensky has met with these officials recently.

Beyond domestic personnel shifts, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's foreign policy priorities. These include implementing the agreement with Washington for Patriot anti-aircraft missile production in Ukraine, the European anti-ballistic missile project, EU accession negotiations, and neighborhood relations, particularly with Poland and Hungary. "Every priority area of foreign policy will be entrusted to a specific person with solid experience," he stated. Domestically, he emphasized strengthening work in frontline and border regions facing daily Russian attacks and preparing for winter as a critical priority.

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Every priority area of foreign policy will be entrusted to a specific person with solid experience.