Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a major cabinet reshuffle, preparing to replace Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko after just one year in office. This will cause the entire government to step down, with plans also to change leadership of several law enforcement agencies. He described this as a shift in the country's political strategy amid the ongoing war with Russia and pressure from a major corruption case.
On Sunday (13 Jul), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to propose replacing Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who has held the position for only one year, along with changes to leadership in several law enforcement agencies. This will result in the entire government resigning in accordance with the provisions of Ukraine's constitution.
Zelensky stated via the X platform that the cabinet reshuffle aims to "advance a new political strategy" and improve the efficiency of national governance. He did not disclose further details on the reasons for the changes or name the successor for prime minister.
However, the Ukrainian leader praised Svyrydenko's performance, saying she served as prime minister steadily and efficiently, continually serving the country. He revealed he has proposed assigning her an "important mission involving relations with key allied countries," though he did not specify which countries.
Svyrydenko, an economist, was appointed prime minister in July 2025 after serving as deputy head of the presidential office and deputy prime minister for economic development and trade. Following Zelensky's announcement, she posted a message thanking the president for his trust and affirmed her readiness to serve the country in her new role.
This cabinet reshuffle occurs during a critical phase of the Ukraine-Russia war, which has lasted over four years. Russia has increased its long-range missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, while the Ukrainian government is accelerating plans to produce the Patriot air defense system domestically under a technology agreement with the United States.
Zelensky also stated the new government must expedite Ukraine’s EU membership application, prepare energy resources for winter, and strengthen arms production capacity to counter Russian attacks.
Although the president did not explain the reasons for changing law enforcement leadership, the government restructuring follows Ukraine's largest corruption case in years, which led to the resignation of key figures in the presidential office.
The so-called "Midas case" involves allegations of approximately 100 million USD in bribes within the state nuclear energy company Energoatom. Prosecutors allege that Tymur Mindych, a former business partner of Zelensky, orchestrated the scheme, implicating Andriy Yermak, former head of the presidential office. Both parties deny all accusations.
Under Ukrainian law, the prime minister’s resignation requires parliamentary approval and results in the entire cabinet stepping down. However, opposition parties and local media expect parliament to support Zelensky’s proposal since the government still holds a majority following Russia’s invasion.
Ukrainian media report that candidates for the new prime minister include Serhiy Koretsky, CEO of the state energy company Naftogaz; former prime minister and energy minister Denys Shmyhal; and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Some opposition members believe Koretsky is the frontrunner.
Additionally, there are rumors that Svyrydenko may be appointed Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, replacing Olga Stefanishyna, who took the post last year, although the Ukrainian government has not officially confirmed this.