Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced Sunday that he is moving to replace Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, signaling a significant shake-up within Ukraine’s government.
In a post on X, Zelenskiy expressed appreciation for Svyrydenko’s service, writing: “I am grateful to Yuliia for her clear, steady, and effective work as Prime Minister, for her years of productive service on Ukraine’s team, and I have offered her the opportunity to lead a new and important area of relations with a key partner.”
Zelenskiy went on to say, “I expect that, together with MPs, we will make the corresponding changes in the Government of Ukraine.”
The president stated the government overhaul was necessary to “ensure the implementation of an updated political strategy,” but did not elaborate further on what that strategy entails.
Svyrydenko had been appointed to the position in July 2025. Zelenskiy did not disclose what role she would move into, nor did he name a potential successor. He did note, however, that leadership changes would also take place within law enforcement agencies.
Opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak suggested on Telegram that Svyrydenko is expected to become Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States. “That means she will leave the post of prime minister and the entire government will be reshuffled,” Zhelezniak wrote.
Under Ukrainian law, the resignation of a prime minister must be approved by parliament and automatically triggers the resignation of the entire cabinet.
Lawmakers have floated several names as possible replacements, including Svyrydenko’s predecessor, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal; Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov; and Serhiy Koretskyi, who heads the state energy company Naftogaz.
