Zelenskyy signals major shake-up of Ukraine’s executive branch

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans for a sweeping transformation of the country’s executive branch aimed at “streamlining government operations and strengthening the national defense effort.”

Speaking after a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal last week, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was preparing for “a tangible management transformation” that will involve reducing spending on the state apparatus, deregulating the economy, and redirecting resources toward defense.

“We must implement all planned decisions to support and protect entrepreneurship in our country, as well as expand domestic weapons production programs,” Zelenskyy said. He stressed the need for an audit of all existing agreements with international partners, including defense aid, investments, and support packages for Ukraine’s energy and social sectors.

The president also hinted at a possible reconfiguration of the executive branch, underscoring the urgency of the changes amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Zelenskyy’s announcement comes just a day after his meeting with Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, following which he signalled upcoming changes in the Ministry of Defence. Ukrainian media have widely speculated that Umerov is being considered to replace Oksana Markarova as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States.

Other high-profile figures reportedly under consideration for the Washington post include Prime Minister Shmyhal, Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanyshyna, and Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.

Meanwhile, First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is being floated by local outlets as a possible successor to Shmyhal as head of government. If reshuffles proceed as speculated, Shmyhal may move to lead the Defence Ministry, replacing Umerov.