Zelenskyy reshuffles government: Svyrydenko out, Koretskyi in the running, Fedorov's future uncertain
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unexpectedly reshuffled the government on July 12, dismissing Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and offering her the post of ambassador to the US. The change was driven by several factors, including the dismissal of former head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak and the need to prepare for a harsh winter.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy carried out a surprise government reshuffle on July 12, dismissing Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko before her cabinet reached its first anniversary on July 17. Svyrydenko had just presented a new 15-year economic strategy, but the president asked her to step down. She was offered the position of Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, which she accepted.
Several reasons led to the reshuffle. First, the balance of power shifted after former head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak was dismissed and charged with corruption; Svyrydenko's cabinet had been formed around Yermak. Second, Zelenskyy grew tired of the "government babysitting" model, where the prime minister coordinated every step with the President's Office; he now expects more independent decision-making. Third, the timing was opportune, with a lull before the autumn political season. Fourth, there is a systemic conflict between Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and groups benefiting from the defense budget; Fedorov is criticized for his mobilization and procurement reforms, but the real reason is his anti-corruption efforts.
The main reason, however, is preparation for winter: Russia may attempt to destroy what remains of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The new government's primary task will be dynamic preparation for this campaign.
After Svyrydenko's resignation, four candidates were considered for prime minister: Mykhailo Fedorov, Serhii Koretskyi, Denys Shmyhal, and Ihor Terekhov. Fedorov declined, having only recently started reforms at the Defense Ministry; his future is uncertain, and he may be moved to another post. Terekhov expressed gratitude but preferred to remain in Kharkiv. The real contender is Serhii Koretskyi, who has the best chance of becoming prime minister.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko was asked to prepare for a possible move to the Defense Ministry if Fedorov is removed. This could result from a fallout between Zelenskyy and Fedorov, leading to Fedorov's dismissal – a political risk given Fedorov's high public trust.
These changes occur as the President's Office has reconciled that no elections will take place in autumn, and Ukraine must prepare for what may be the hardest winter of the full-scale war.
