At least six Ukrainian officials, including key cabinet members, have resigned in anticipation of a significant government reshuffle. This wave of resignations leaves several important positions unfilled, notably the minister responsible for strategic industries and weapons production.
The government shake-up is predicted to transform over half of the cabinet, as indicated by the parliamentary leader of the ruling Servant of the People party, who stated that major changes are set to unfold this week.
These shifts come as Ukraine grapples with ongoing Russian attacks and strives to counter Moscow’s advances in the east while also directing resources towards operations in Russia’s Kursk region.
Among those who resigned were strategic industries minister Alexander Kamyshin, justice minister Denys Maliuska, environmental minister Ruslan Strilets, deputy prime ministers Olha Stefanishyna and Iryna Vereshchuk, and Vitaliy Koval, head of Ukraine’s State Property Fund. Additionally, high-ranking presidential aide Rostyslav Shurma was dismissed under a presidential decree.
In a statement on Telegram, David Arakhamia confirmed the imminent government overhaul, emphasizing that more than 50% of the Cabinet will undergo changes. He outlined a timeline of dismissals followed by appointments in the coming days.
During a recent video address, President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the necessity for state institutions to be optimized for effectiveness ahead of his upcoming visit to the US, where he is expected to present a comprehensive “victory plan” to President Joe Biden. He noted that strengthening governmental areas was crucial to achieving necessary outcomes, and he mentioned upcoming changes in both the government and presidential office.
Criticism of the reshuffle came from opposition MP Iryna Gerashchenko, who labeled the situation as a “government without ministers” and called for a united government to counter the current political crisis.
On the same day of the announcements, a Russian strike on Poltava resulted in 51 fatalities and 271 injuries. President Zelensky vowed that Russia would be held accountable for the attack and reiterated the need for enhanced air defenses from Western allies to protect against ongoing threats.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, President Zelensky has made multiple significant changes to his cabinet. Last year, he dismissed defense minister Oleksii Reznikov amid corruption controversies, and earlier this year, Kyiv’s top military commander Valerii Zaluzhnyi was also replaced. Currently, at least five key government positions remain vacant following prior resignations and dismissals. Zelensky’s term is set to conclude in May 2024, though he continues to serve under martial law.
