Ukraine's parliament approves prime minister's resignation amid government reshuffle
Ukraine's parliament has approved the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko with a clear majority, dismissing the country's entire government, according to Deutsche Welle (DW). The move comes less than a year after the current government took office and marks a significant shake-up of Ukraine's leadership during wartime.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced earlier that he offered Svyrydenko a new position, and multiple reports indicate she could become Ukraine's next ambassador to the United States. In a statement on Telegram, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Svyrydenko's work, saying he had offered her "a new significant role in relations with an important partner." The president also posted photos of meetings with key officials, including the head of state-owned energy company Naftogaz, the Energy Minister, the Interior Minister, and the Defense Minister.
Coverage of the reshuffle
Deutsche Welle reported that Ukraine's parliament approved Svyrydenko's resignation with a clear majority, effectively dismissing the country's entire government. The outlet noted that Zelenskyy had announced on social media that he had offered Svyrydenko a new position, and media reports suggest she could become Ukraine's next ambassador to the United States.
TASS — English reported on the resignation of Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, Olga Stefanishina, who submitted her resignation due to personal circumstances. The Russian state news agency, citing Ukrainian sources, reported that Zelenskyy approved her resignation and that Svyrydenko is expected to be named the new ambassador to the US.
Key Claims
- Ukraine's parliament approved Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko's resignation with a clear majority, dismissing the entire government, as reported by Deutsche Welle.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on social media that he had offered Svyrydenko a new position, expressing gratitude for her work as prime minister.
- Media reports suggest Svyrydenko could become Ukraine's next ambassador to the United States.
- TASS — English reported that Ambassador Olga Stefanishina submitted a resignation request due to personal circumstances, and that Zelenskyy approved it. The agency also cited a Ukrainian lawmaker who said Stefanishina had already returned to Kyiv and that Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau may bring charges against her.
- Deutsche Welle reported that recent scandals involving the armed forces could damage Zelenskyy's standing as commander-in-chief, and that communications problems with the Cabinet, including with Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, could also be a factor.
- Energy issues are another possible reason for the reshuffle, Deutsche Welle reported, citing the president's meetings with energy officials and the Kharkiv mayor.
- Political scientist Ihor Reiterovych of Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv told DW that a reshuffle had originally been planned for fall or spring, but recent incidents prompted an earlier move.