Ukraine President Zelensky Announces Government Reshuffle, Proposes PM Replacement

Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a major government reshuffle on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and the removal of heads of some law enforcement agencies.

“Zelensky has not yet disclosed who will replace Svyrydenko and has not explained the reason for the change,” Zelensky wrote on X.

He said, “I propose Svyrydenko for her clear, stable and effective work as Prime Minister, for her years of productive service in the Ukrainian team and for the opportunity to lead new and important areas with key partners.”

He further added, “I hope that together with the MPs, we will make the relevant changes in the Ukrainian government. There will also be changes in the heads of law enforcement agencies.”

Zelensky appointed Svyrydenko to the post of Prime Minister last year. In a statement released on X, Zelensky mentioned some important tasks that Ukraine needs to accomplish. These include progress in joining the European Union and strengthening the border areas.

He also said that he plans to assign different people to manage various areas of foreign policy. “We have decided to restructure the cabinet, considering it necessary to renew it for these changes,” Zelensky further clarified.

The cabinet reshuffle requires parliamentary approval. However, after Russia's invasion, MPs have largely rallied around Zelensky and do not usually block his agenda.