In a significant shake-up, six Ukrainian officials, including several cabinet members, have resigned, signaling a major government reshuffle. The resignations impact key roles, such as the strategic industries minister responsible for weapons production.
The move is part of a broader overhaul anticipated this week, as announced by David Arakhamia, the parliamentary leader of the ruling Servant of the People party. Arakhamia indicated that more than 50% of the cabinet will be replaced, with a series of dismissals and new appointments planned.
The reshuffle comes as Ukraine faces relentless Russian bombardments and struggles to defend its eastern regions while managing its operations in Russia’s Kursk region. The departing officials include Strategic Industries Minister Alexander Kamyshin, Justice Minister Denys Maliuska, Environmental Protection Minister Ruslan Strilets, and Deputy Prime Ministers Olha Stefanishyna and Iryna Vereshchuk.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly address, stressed the need for a government that can achieve necessary results ahead of his upcoming visit to the US. Zelensky plans to present a “victory plan” to President Joe Biden and has called for enhanced Western air defenses.
Opposition MP Iryna Gerashchenko criticized the reshuffle, labeling it a crisis and urging the formation of a unity government to end President Zelensky’s political dominance. The reshuffle follows previous changes in government roles, including the dismissal of Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov and Kyiv’s top commander Valerii Zaluzhnyi amid corruption scandals.
On the same day as the reshuffle announcement, a Russian strike on Poltava resulted in significant casualties, with 51 killed and 271 injured. President Zelensky vowed retaliation and reiterated the need for more Western air defenses to counter Russian aggression.
