By Ghazali Ibrahim
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has resigned as President Volodymyr Zelensky launched a sweeping government reshuffle aimed at strengthening the country’s leadership as the war with Russia enters another critical phase.
Svyrydenko submitted her resignation on Tuesday, triggering the constitutional resignation of the entire Cabinet. Ukraine’s parliament later voted to accept her departure, paving the way for the formation of a new government.
President Zelensky said the overhaul was intended to renew the government’s effectiveness, improve Ukraine’s defence capabilities, accelerate economic recovery and deepen cooperation with international partners.
“Ukraine is changing its political strategy,” Zelensky said, adding that key foreign policy areas would be overseen by experienced officials capable of delivering on agreements reached with international allies.
Under Ukrainian law, the resignation of the prime minister automatically results in the resignation of the entire government, although ministers remain in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is approved by parliament.
Svyrydenko, who became prime minister in July 2025 after previously serving as first deputy prime minister and economy minister, said it had been an honour to lead the government during one of the most challenging periods in Ukraine’s history. She also indicated she would continue serving the country in a new capacity.
The reshuffle comes as Ukraine continues to battle Russia’s invasion while seeking stronger military support from Western allies, advancing reforms linked to its European Union membership bid and preparing for renewed attacks on its energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
Analysts say the changes reflect Zelensky’s effort to bolster governance during the prolonged conflict, although some opposition figures have questioned whether the shake-up introduces meaningful new leadership or simply reassigns trusted allies.
The cabinet overhaul is the latest in a series of wartime government changes under Zelensky, who has repeatedly reshaped his administration since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022 in an effort to maintain public confidence and improve the state’s wartime response.
