KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy moved to form a new government on Wednesday after parliament approved the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, completing the dismissal of the wartime cabinet as part of a broader political reshuffle that he said was intended to strengthen the country's leadership during Russia's invasion.
The resignation of Svyrydenko automatically dissolved the government under Ukrainian law, requiring the appointment of a new prime minister and cabinet. Zelenskyy said earlier that Ukraine needed an updated political strategy and had offered Svyrydenko another senior role, thanking her for her service while expressing confidence that lawmakers would approve the necessary personnel changes.
The president has not publicly detailed the full composition of the incoming cabinet, but Ukrainian media and officials have reported that Naftogaz Chief Executive Sergii Koretskyi is among the leading candidates to become prime minister. The presidential administration has not formally confirmed the nomination.
The reshuffle comes as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia's full-scale invasion while seeking to maintain military momentum, secure additional international support and prepare the country's energy infrastructure for another winter of Russian attacks. Zelenskyy has said the government changes are designed to improve the implementation of foreign policy and security priorities.
The overhaul has also raised questions over the future of several senior ministers, including Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose position has become the focus of political attention ahead of parliamentary approval of a new cabinet. Reuters reported that uncertainty surrounding the defence portfolio has prompted concern among some military and reform advocates, who argue that continuity in defence reforms remains important during the war.
Some opposition lawmakers have questioned the rationale for replacing a government that has overseen Ukraine's wartime administration over the past year, while others have argued that the executive has not fully explained the need for the sweeping changes. Zelenskyy and his allies have maintained that the reshuffle is intended to improve government effectiveness rather than alter Ukraine's strategic direction.
Parliament is expected to consider nominations for the new prime minister and cabinet as the government formation process continues. Until a new administration is confirmed, ministers remain in a caretaker capacity under Ukrainian law.
