Ukraine’s president announced a government shake up, with PM Yuliia Svyrydenko stepping down after a year in office. In a statement posted to X, Zelenskyy noted that Kyiv is currently in the process of changing its political strategy, though he provided few specifics regarding the shift. This move marks the fourth reshuffle of top officials since the onset of the war with Russia four and a half years ago.
Zelenskyy confirmed that he held discussions with the 39-year-old Svyrydenko, concluding that a cabinet reorganization was necessary. He expressed gratitude for her commitment, describing her work as clear, steady, and effective during her tenure. While her departure is imminent, the president indicated that Svyrydenko has been offered a role leading a new and important area of relations with a key partner, though further details remain undisclosed.
Although a successor has not been officially named, reports suggest that former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, currently serving as Energy Minister, could return to the top post. Other potential candidates mentioned include Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Serhiy Koretskyi, who heads the state energy company Naftogaz. Zelenskyy has already published photographs of meetings with Shmyhal, Fedorov, and Koretskyi. He also announced plans to shuffle leaders of Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies.
Under Ukrainian law, the resignation of the prime minister requires parliamentary approval and triggers the resignation of the entire government. Svyrydenko, who was formerly deputy prime minister and economy minister, said she was “proud to have had the honor of leading the government during one of the most difficult periods in Ukraine’s modern history.” She confirmed that she and Zelenskyy had discussed next steps and expressed her continued readiness to serve the state, defend national interests, and work toward a just peace.
Svyrydenko’s recent tenure involved managing the fallout from a significant corruption scandal at the state nuclear company Energoatom. The investigation into a $100 million (€87.3 million) kickback scheme—where officials and contractors allegedly demanded bribes of 10% to 15% on procurement contracts—led to the resignations of Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk.
