KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on July 13 and moved to nominate a new government this week, saying the shake-up aims to inject fresh thinking as Ukraine braces for intensified Russian attacks.
Zelenskiy has met with several leading candidates he could propose to parliament, including Naftogaz chief Serhiy Koretskyi, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Under Ukraine’s system, the president nominates a prime minister whose choices for most cabinet posts must then be approved by lawmakers.
The president framed the overhaul as necessary to secure more air defences from allies, speed EU accession efforts, and prepare for winter strikes on critical infrastructure. Appointing Koretskyi, a technocrat favoured for strengthening energy security after repeated Russian hits on power facilities, would signal a priority on shoring up supplies and grid resilience.
Analysts say crisis managers and experienced local leaders could fill key roles, citing Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov and others. But critics warn the changes risk destabilising vital defence work. Some opposition MPs cautioned that removing Fedorov from the defence portfolio could undermine army reforms and hamper military efforts at a sensitive moment.
The move follows a series of wartime reshuffles and ongoing corruption probes, including the “Midas” investigation that has unsettled senior officials. Parliament could begin debate and votes on the new cabinet as soon as Tuesday, though opponents argue Zelenskiy’s reshuffles may simply recycle familiar faces rather than deliver real change.