Ukraine's parliament has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko following a request by President Volodymyr Zelensky, clearing the way for a wider government reshuffle.
Svyrydenko, 40, served as prime minister for just one year, one of the shortest tenures in Ukraine's history.
Zelensky described the shake-up as part of a "renewed political strategy," without providing detailed explanations.
He announced that key foreign policy priorities, including defence cooperation with the United States and Europe, European integration, relations with Poland and Hungary, and engagement with major international organisations, would be assigned to specialists with dedicated portfolios and responsibilities.
The underlying reasons
Behind the official explanations, analysts point to several factors that may have contributed to Svyrydenko's departure.
According to sources cited by the Kyiv Post, her government relied heavily on former Presidential Office chief Andriy Yermak, who was dismissed in autumn 2025 following the corruption scandal known as the "Mintas Case", which involved allegations of a $100 million bribery scheme linked to state energy company Energoatom.
Two cabinet ministers were reportedly implicated in the affair and subsequently resigned.
Political analysts have also argued that Svyrydenko never succeeded in building strong relationships with parliament, including within the ruling Servant of the People party.
Some lawmakers reportedly resented the manner in which her nomination was advanced without broader consultation.
Several important pieces of legislation linked to Ukraine's European integration agenda had also stalled in parliament.
Meanwhile, Strana.ua reported that the prime minister's dismissal may be connected to investigations by Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau due to her close association with Yermak.
Favourites to succeed her
The leading contender to become Ukraine's next prime minister is reportedly Serhii Koretskyi, head of state-owned energy company Naftogaz.
Zelensky was photographed with Koretskyi over the weekend and publicly praised his management of Ukraine's energy sector.
One opposition lawmaker was quoted as saying there is a "99% chance" that Koretskyi will be appointed.
Other names being discussed include:
- Denys Shmyhal, former prime minister and current energy minister
- Mykhailo Fedorov, defence minister
However, Fedorov is reportedly at odds with Zelensky over military recruitment and mobilisation issues.
Approval expected in coming weeks
Ukraine's parliament, where the ruling party maintains control, is expected to approve a new government in the coming weeks.
In her farewell remarks, Svyrydenko warned that preparing the country for the coming winter will be the next administration's greatest challenge.
She pointed to expectations of intensified Russian strikes against Ukraine's electricity grid and natural gas infrastructure, issues likely to dominate the agenda of the incoming government.
