Berlin, July 12 (EFE).- Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday a major government reshuffle, saying he he intended to replace the country’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
“Ukraine is changing its political strategy. Each priority area of foreign policy will be assigned to a specific person with substantial experience who is capable of implementing what we agree on at the leaders’ level and what the Ukrainian people expect,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media.
He said personnel changes will begin in Ukraine “to ensure the implementation of the updated political strategy,” which includes the departure after just one year in office of Prime Minister Sviridenko, who will take on a new role in foreign policy.
Svyrydenko was appointed as prime minister in July 2025.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s foreign policy priorities include relations with the US, particularly agreements on licenses to manufacture Patriot missiles and other forms of bilateral security cooperation, which he said should produce tangible benefits for both countries and their companies.
He also highlighted the European ballistic missile defense project, describing it as “one of the most significant steps to strengthen Europe this decade.”
The president stressed the need to advance Ukraine’s European Union accession process while deepening economic, political and cultural ties with the bloc.
Other diplomatic priorities include strengthening relations with neighboring countries, particularly Poland and Hungary; expanding cooperation with the Middle East and Gulf regions on security and economic issues; managing ties with China; and working more closely with international organizations that can help bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
He said he discussed the details with Svyrydenko and are “determined that these changes require a renewal of the cabinet.” However, he did not name her successor.
“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.”
Zelenskyy said the new political strategy would also involve changes in domestic policy, including leadership changes within Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies.
In her post on X, Svyrydenko said he had discussed with Zelenskyy the challenges facing Ukraine, the changes needed to strengthen the government’s work, and Ukraine’s relations with international partners.
“At this moment, it is critically important to unite all our strength and resources to make Ukraine stronger,” she said.
“I am grateful to the president for his trust and for his high assessment of our team’s work. I am proud to have had the honor of leading the government during one of the most difficult periods in Ukraine’s modern history.”
She said she remained ready “to serve the Ukrainian state and carry out every task aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position, defending our national interests, and bringing a just peace closer.” EFE
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