- New ministers appointed for key sectors.
- Political shakeup amid martial law.
- Shmyhal trusts new ministers will meet goals.
- Calls for more Western air defense and aid.
n Thursday, Ukrainian lawmakers approved President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s largest government overhaul since Russia’s 2022 invasion, appointing nine new ministers. This includes significant changes at the top, with the introduction of a new foreign minister and two deputy prime ministers.
Andrii Sybiha, 49, an experienced diplomat with a lower public profile, has been appointed as the new foreign minister. He succeeds Dmytro Kuleba, who has been a prominent public figure and a key spokesperson for Ukraine in Western countries over recent years.
Despite the cabinet overhaul, Ukraine’s foreign policy is expected to remain largely unchanged, as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy continues to lead wartime diplomatic efforts. The timing of this shakeup is critical, as Kyiv is actively seeking increased support from its allies and aiming to strengthen ties with the Global South.
Zelenskiy is scheduled to visit the United States later this month, where he plans to present a “victory plan” to President Joe Biden. The Ukrainian leader has emphasized the need for “new energy” within his government, highlighting that this autumn will be crucial for Ukraine’s strategic and diplomatic goals.
The cabinet reshuffle started on Tuesday when several ministers resigned, leaving at least five seats vacant from previous dismissals. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy proposed new appointees, and these were approved by lawmakers on Thursday.
Opposition lawmaker Dmytro Razumkov has predicted that the new appointments will not result in significant changes. He noted that most key decisions are made within Zelenskiy’s office, which holds substantial emergency powers under martial law.
Olha Stefanyshina, 38, has been appointed to oversee a new, expanded role that integrates her previous responsibilities for Ukraine’s EU and NATO accession with the duties of the justice minister, who resigned earlier this week.
In her address to lawmakers prior to her appointment, Stefanyshina emphasized the need for extensive legal reforms, stating that “hundreds and thousands” of changes are required for Ukraine to achieve European Union membership.
Herman Smetanin, 32, a former engineer, has been appointed as the strategic industries minister responsible for domestic arms production. His rapid ascent began last year when he was appointed head of the main state arms holding.
Oleksiy Kuleba, previously a deputy head of Zelenskiy’s office, has been named deputy prime minister overseeing reconstruction, regions, and infrastructure. This key role involves managing significant financial resources and projects.
Lawmakers have approved new ministers for agriculture, culture, environment, veteran affairs, and sport, signaling a political refresh despite the inability to hold elections under martial law. Anton Hrushetskyi of the Kyiv-based pollster KIIS noted that changing officials is the only way to rejuvenate the government in the absence of elections.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal acknowledged the challenging tasks ahead for the new ministers but expressed confidence in their ability to advance Ukraine’s strategic goals. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to advance in the east and intensify missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, targeting infrastructure.
President Zelenskiy has indicated that his team is preparing crucial meetings with international partners in September to regain momentum in the war. In his latest address, he emphasized securing Western air defense supplies, improving battlefield conditions, and obtaining foreign aid for reconstruction. He is expected to participate in a Friday meeting with the Ramstein group, which provides arms to Ukraine, and has urged allies to lift restrictions on using Western weapons for long-range strikes into Russia.
