Zelenskiy Plans Ukraine Government Shake-Up as Prime Minister Svyrydenko Set to Step Down

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced plans to replace Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko after just one year in office, setting the stage for a broader government reshuffle as Kyiv seeks to implement a new political strategy while facing ongoing corruption investigations.

In a statement posted on X, Zelenskiy praised Svyrydenko for her leadership and years of public service, revealing that he had offered her a new role focused on relations with one of Ukraine’s key international partners. However, he did not disclose who would succeed her or provide details about her next position. The president also confirmed planned changes involving senior law enforcement officials but did not explain the reasons behind those moves.

Svyrydenko, an economist, became prime minister in July 2025 after serving as deputy head of Zelenskiy’s office and previously as deputy prime minister overseeing economic development and trade. Under Ukrainian law, the resignation of the prime minister requires parliamentary approval and automatically results in the resignation of the entire cabinet.

The government overhaul comes as Ukraine continues to grapple with high-profile corruption allegations. The so-called Midas case, involving an alleged $100 million kickback scheme at state-owned nuclear energy company Energoatom, has become the country’s largest corruption scandal in recent years.

Investigators have accused Timur Mindich, a former business associate of Zelenskiy, of leading the alleged scheme and have also named former presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak as a suspect. Both have denied any wrongdoing. The scandal has intensified scrutiny of Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts as the country seeks to reassure Western allies and maintain international support.

Potential candidates to replace Svyrydenko include former Prime Minister and current Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, and Naftogaz CEO Serhiy Koretskyi. Opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said Koretskyi is viewed as the leading contender, while Svyrydenko could reportedly become Ukraine’s next ambassador to the United States, replacing current envoy Olga Stefanishyna.