Zelenskyy announces cabinet reshuffle, broader leadership changes in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a Government reshuffle and wider leadership changes, saying the overhaul is intended to implement a renewed political strategy and strengthen the country's governance.

Following talks with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, Zelenskyy said a new Cabinet of Ministers was needed to carry out the planned reforms.

“Ukraine is beginning personnel changes that must ensure the implementation of a renewed political strategy,” Zelenskyy said. He thanked Svyrydenko for her “clear, stable and effective” leadership as prime minister and said he had offered her responsibility for “a new and important area” of relations with one of Ukraine's key international partners.

Svyrydenko later confirmed that she was stepping down as prime minister, expressing gratitude for the President's confidence and describing it as an honour to have led the Government during “the most difficult period in Ukraine's modern history”.

Svyrydenko could be appointed Ukraine's ambassador to the United States.

Zelenskyy said each priority area of Ukraine's foreign policy would be assigned to an official with relevant experience as part of the new strategy.

Ukrainian media have named Sergii Koretskyi, the head of Ukrnafta and Naftogaz, former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who is currently linked to the Energy Ministry, and Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as possible candidates to lead the next government.

A parliamentary vote on Svyrydenko's dismissal could take place on 13 or 14 July. If approved, the Government would remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is formed.

Zelenskyy also said the planned personnel changes would extend to the leadership of Ukraine's law enforcement agencies.