Ukraine's Zelenskyy swaps out prime minister in reshuffle

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday announced plans to reshuffle his cabinet and asked Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko to step aside after serving for just 12 months.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy gave few details about the move, but noted that Kyiv was "changing its political strategy.”

The decision follows three other reshuffles of top officials during the four-and-a-half-year war with Russia.

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What did Zelenskyy announce?

Zelenskyy wrote on X that he had discussed the matter with Svyrydenko and that they had concluded that "a reshuffle of the Cabinet is necessary."

He thanked the 39-year-old for her commitment, writing: "I am grateful to Yuliia for her clear, steady and effective work as Prime Minister, for her years of productive service on Ukraine’s team."

He added that Svyrydenko has been offered the chance to lead a "new and important area of relations with a key partner," without giving further details.

Opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said Svyrydenko, who played a key role in securing a minerals deal with Washington, could be in line for the US ambassador role.

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Who will replace Svyrydenko?

Zelenskyy did not announce Svyrydenko's successor, but former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who is now Energy Minister could be in line to return after just a year, according to Ukrainian lawmakers cited by Reuters news agency.

Other possible candidates are Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov ⁠and Serhiy Koretskyi, head of ​the state energy company, Naftogaz.

Zelenskyy later published photos of separate meetings with Shmyhal, Fedorov and Koretskyi.

He also announced plans to shuffle leaders of Ukraine's law enforcement agencies.

Under Ukrainian law, the prime minister's resignation needs the ​approval of parliament and ⁠entails the resignation of the entire government.

Svyrydenko 'ready to serve' in next role

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 wrote on X that she had had discussed "next steps” with Zelenskyy, but did not provide further details.

"I remain ready to serve the Ukrainian state and carry out every task aimed at strengthening Ukraine's position, defending our national interests and bringing a just peace closer,” Svyrydenko added.

Svyrydenko had recently helped Zelenskyy manage the fallout from Ukraine’s largest corruption scandal to date.

The scandal involved a $100 million (€87.3 million) kickback scheme at the state nuclear company Energoatom, where officials and contractors allegedly demanded 10% to 15% bribes on procurement contracts.

As a result of an investigation, Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk stepped down.