Zelensky proposes new PM in Ukraine government reshuffle

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday he had proposed replacing Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. In a post on X, he thanked her for her clear, steady, and effective work as prime minister and for her years of productive service on Ukraine's team, offering her the opportunity to lead a new and important area of relations with a key partner.

Zelensky stated that the government changes were needed to ensure the implementation of an updated political strategy, but provided no further details. He did not specify Svyrydenko's new position or the name of her successor, adding that there would also be changes among the heads of law enforcement agencies.

Opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said Svyrydenko was likely to take up the post of ambassador to the United States. He noted that under Ukrainian law, the prime minister's resignation requires parliamentary approval and entails the resignation of the entire government. Lawmakers suggest possible successors include Svyrydenko's predecessor, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal; Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov; and Serhiy Koretskyi, head of the state energy company Naftogaz.