KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Sunday that he intends to replace Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, a move that has triggered the resignation of the country’s government under Ukrainian law.
In a statement posted on X, Zelenskiy said the changes are aimed at implementing an “updated political strategy” but did not specify who would succeed Svyrydenko or what role she would assume next.
“I am grateful to Yuliia for her clear, steady and effective work as Prime Minister and for her years of productive service to Ukraine,” Zelenskiy said, adding that he had offered her an opportunity to lead “a new and important area of relations with a key partner.”
The president also announced plans to reshuffle several senior law enforcement positions, although no further details were provided.
Under Ukrainian law, the resignation of the prime minister must be approved by parliament and automatically results in the resignation of the entire cabinet.
Svyrydenko, an economist, became prime minister in July 2025 after serving as deputy head of the presidential office and later as deputy prime minister responsible for economic development and trade.
The political shake-up comes as Ukraine continues to deal with high-profile corruption allegations that have put the government under increased scrutiny.
The largest case, known as the Midas case, involves an alleged $100 million kickback scheme at state-owned nuclear company Energoatom.
Authorities have accused businessman Timur Mindich, a former associate of Zelenskiy, of leading the scheme and have also named former presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak as a suspect. Both have denied any wrongdoing.
The scandal has raised concerns at a time when Kyiv is seeking to demonstrate to its Western allies that it remains committed to fighting corruption and strengthening governance reforms.
Lawmakers have identified several potential candidates to replace Svyrydenko, including:
- Denys Shmyhal, former prime minister and current energy minister
- Mykhailo Fedorov, the defence minister
- Serhiy Koretskyi, head of state energy company Naftogaz.
Opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said Koretskyi currently appears to be the strongest contender for the post.
He also suggested that Svyrydenko could be appointed as Ukraine’s next ambassador to the United States, replacing Olga Stefanishyna, who has held the position since last year.
The proposed cabinet changes represent one of the most significant political reshuffles in Ukraine in recent months, as Zelenskiy seeks to reorganize his administration amid ongoing war challenges, economic pressures and growing demands for greater government accountability.
