Ukraine's Zelenskyy announces cabinet reshuffle and plans to replace Prime Minister Svyrydenko

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a cabinet reshuffle and proposed replacing Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. The move is part of what he described as a change in political strategy, with a stronger focus on foreign policy and security goals. Zelenskyy also said there would be changes in the leadership of some law enforcement agencies.

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In a lengthy post on social media, Zelenskyy said each priority foreign policy direction would be overseen by a specific person with substantial experience. He said the aim was to deliver on agreements reached at leaders' level and meet the expectations of the Ukrainian people. Zelenskyy said he had discussed the details with Svyrydenko and that implementing the changes required a renewal of the Cabinet of Ministers.

Svyrydenko said she was proud to have led the government during one of the most difficult periods in Ukraine's modern history. She thanked those defending Ukrainian land and described the country's fighters as the foundation of its independence. Svyrydenko became prime minister about a year ago, after succeeding Denys Shmyhal, and previously served as first deputy prime minister and economy minister.

The reshuffle comes at a time when Ukraine is seeking to maintain support for its wartime priorities while also advancing longer-term diplomatic and economic goals. Zelenskyy said the new strategy would include efforts to secure agreements to manufacture Patriot air defence systems under licence, push forward Ukraine's bid for European Union membership and deepen ties with the Gulf region. He described the Gulf as one of the world's most promising areas for security and economic cooperation.

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Svyrydenko's earlier role in government also placed her close to talks with the administration of US President Donald Trump. She was widely credited with helping negotiate a critical minerals agreement between Washington and Kyiv last year, a deal that helped improve a relationship that had initially been strained. That background gives the leadership change added significance for Ukraine's foreign policy team as it seeks to manage military, diplomatic and economic pressures at the same time.

It is not yet clear who will replace Svyrydenko or which officials will take over the law enforcement posts mentioned by Zelenskyy. The timing of the reshuffle and the full scope of the personnel changes have also not been set out in detail. What happens next will depend on how quickly the proposed changes are formalised and whether they alter Ukraine's approach to security, European integration and external partnerships.

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