Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal Resigns Amid Major Government Reshuffle

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has officially submitted his resignation, marking the most significant government reshuffle since the beginning of the war in 2022. The move is part of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s wider effort to refresh leadership as the country continues to face intense military and economic pressures.

Shmyhal, who has held the role since March 2020, announced his departure ahead of a parliamentary vote expected later this week. President Zelenskiy has nominated Yulia Svyrydenko, the current First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister, as his replacement. If confirmed by the Verkhovna Rada, Svyrydenko would become Ukraine’s second female prime minister.

The leadership change comes at a critical moment. Ukraine is grappling with a deepening budget deficit, an urgent need to ramp up domestic weapons production, and a broader push to accelerate economic reforms. Zelenskiy has emphasized the need for a more dynamic and focused wartime government to meet these challenges.

Shmyhal is expected to transition into another high-level government role, possibly within the defense ministry, as part of the broader restructuring plan.

Parliament is scheduled to vote on the government’s resignation and the approval of a new prime minister and cabinet in the coming days. The reshuffle underscores Zelenskiy’s intent to maintain momentum in Ukraine’s wartime leadership and reform agenda.

Ruth Forbes

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