Zelenskyy proposes replacing prime minister, announces security service shake-up

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed the dismissal of Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko, signaling a significant shift in the nation's political landscape and leadership. Zelenskyy announced that changes are also imminent within the top ranks of the security services.

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I expect that together with the MPs in parliament, we will make appropriate changes in the government of Ukraine.

In a statement on social media platform X, Zelenskyy thanked Sviridenko for her dedicated service, describing her prime ministerial work as clear, consistent, and effective. He revealed that he has offered her a new, important role focused on relations with a key international partner. "I expect that together with the MPs in parliament, we will make appropriate changes in the government of Ukraine," Zelenskyy added, emphasizing the need for these adjustments to ensure the implementation of an updated political strategy, though he did not elaborate on the specific reasons for the decision.

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Ukraine is changing its political strategy. Each priority area of foreign policy will be assigned to a specific person with substantial experience who is capable of implementing what we agree on at the leaders’ level and what the Ukrainian people expect.

Sviridenko was appointed Prime Minister in July 2025. While Zelenskyy did not name her successor or specify her new position, speculation from opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak suggests Sviridenko might be appointed ambassador to the United States. According to Ukrainian law, the Prime Minister's resignation requires parliamentary approval and typically leads to the entire government's resignation. Potential successors being discussed include Energy Minister Denis Shmyhal and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

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That means she will leave the position of prime minister, and the entire government will be restructured.