Zelenskiy reshuffles the cabinet, adding several new ministries and a top diplomat

Ukrainian lawmakers made a decision on Thursday to appoint nine new ministers, which includes the foreign minister and two deputy prime ministers. This move marks President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s most significant government shakeup since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Andrii Sybiha, 49, a seasoned diplomat with a low public profile, assumes leadership of the foreign ministry, succeeding Dmytro Kuleba, who has been a highly visible figure representing Ukraine in the West.

Despite the continuity in foreign policy with Zelenskiy taking charge of wartime foreign affairs, this transition occurs during a sensitive diplomatic period. Kyiv is actively urging its allies for increased assistance and striving to gain support from the Global South.

Zelenskiy, who is scheduled to visit the United States this month, aims to present a “victory plan” to President Joe Biden. He has emphasized the need for revitalization in his government and considers this autumn to be a crucial period for Ukraine.

The shakeup commenced on Tuesday as a number of ministers tendered their resignations. There were already five cabinet seats that had become vacant following previous dismissals. Zelenskiy put forward a series of substitutions, which were approved by lawmakers on Thursday.

Dmytro Razumkov, an opposition lawmaker, expressed skepticism that the appointments would result in significant changes. According to him, the majority of decisions were ultimately made in Zelenskiy’s office, which was granted significant emergency powers under martial law.

Olha Stefanyshina, 38, has been appointed to a more extensive role that encompasses her previous responsibilities in Ukraine’s integration with the European Union and NATO, as well as the duties of the justice minister who recently resigned.

In a speech to lawmakers before her appointment, she emphasized the necessity of numerous legal changes for Ukraine to join the European Union.

Herman Smetanin, 32, a former engineer, has been appointed as the strategic industries minister responsible for domestic arms production. This appointment marks his continued ascent through the ranks, which began last year when he was appointed as the head of the main state arms holding.

Oleksiy Kuleba, a former deputy head of Zelenskiy’s office, has been appointed as deputy prime minister responsible for reconstruction, regions, and infrastructure. This is a significant role that entails overseeing potentially substantial financial resources.

‘Release Some Tension’

Lawmakers have approved the appointment of new ministers for agriculture, culture, environment, veteran affairs, and sport.

The shakeup generates a feeling of political rejuvenation, despite Ukraine’s inability to conduct elections due to martial law.

“People are opposed to holding elections at this time, so the only way to rejuvenate the authorities and provide a release of tension is by replacing officials in the government,” stated Anton Hrushetskyi, the executive director of the Kyiv-based pollster KIIS, in an interview with Reuters.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed confidence in the new ministers, acknowledging the challenges they face. He believes that their experience and skills will be instrumental in achieving the state’s strategic goals.

Russian forces continue to advance in the east and have intensified their campaign of missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities that are distant from the frontline. These attacks, occurring almost daily, target critical infrastructure such as the power sector.

Zelenskiy has expressed his team’s efforts to organize a series of significant meetings with foreign partners in September, aiming to regain the initiative in the war.

In his most recent evening address to the nation, he emphasized the importance of securing air defense supplies from the West, enhancing the situation on the battlefield, and seeking foreign assistance to rebuild his country.

According to Germany’s Der Spiegel media outlet, he is scheduled to participate in a meeting on Friday with the Ramstein group of nations, which provides arms to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy has consistently urged allies to remove limitations that prevent Kyiv from utilizing Western weaponry for extended-range attacks into Russia.