Ukraine plans major cabinet reshuffle, First Deputy PM Svyrydenko likely to become ambassador to US

Bartłomiej Wypartowicz Defence24 Exclusive

Ukraine's political scene is entering a period of significant transformation. The authorities in Kyiv have decided to carry out a wide-ranging cabinet reshuffle, the most symbolic element of which is the removal of Yuliia Svyrydenko from the post of Prime Minister. Defence24 has learned that further changes will affect several key ministers.

According to information provided by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the reshuffle is intended to form part of a broader reorganisation of the state administration. As he emphasised, Ukraine needs "a new configuration of executive power" that will enable it to perform more effectively in the areas of defence, national reconstruction and cooperation with international partners.

Although Yuliia Svyrydenko's dismissal may appear sudden, it does not mean that she will withdraw from public life altogether. Zelenskyy announced that she would be assigned new responsibilities connected with one of the key areas of Ukraine's cooperation with its foreign partners. Details of her future role have not, however, been officially disclosed.

According to unofficial information obtained by Defence24 from sources within the Ukrainian administration, Yuliia Svyrydenko is expected to become Ukraine's ambassador to the United States. Such an appointment would place her in charge of one of Kyiv's most important diplomatic missions. Taking up this role would be particularly significant given the crucial importance of Ukrainian–American relations in the fields of security, military assistance and the country's future reconstruction. Svyrydenko's selection would also indicate an intention to make use of her economic expertise and international contacts within one of the most important channels of Ukrainian diplomacy.

Further Changes Coming Up

According to unofficial information obtained by Defence24, the reconstruction of the Ukrainian government will be considerably broader than initially expected. It will encompass not only a change of Prime Minister but also a series of personnel changes across individual ministries. Sources close to the Ukrainian administration indicate that some incumbent ministers will remain in their posts, ensuring continuity of government in key areas.

Officials Expected to Remain in Government

• First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister – Denys Shmyhal
• Finance Minister – Serhii Marchenko
• Health Minister – Viktor Liashko
• Sports Minister – Matvii Bidnyi
• Foreign Minister – Andrii Sybiha
• Social Policy Minister – Denys Uliutin

The future of Nataliia Kalmykova, the current Minister for Veterans' Affairs, remains uncertain.

Ministries Affected by Changes

The changes are also expected to affect the ministries responsible for education, European integration and the management of state resources.

• Ministry of Education and Science: A change at the head of the ministry is being considered. Oksen Lisovyi, who has headed the ministry since 2023, could be replaced. Mykhailo Trofymenko is reportedly among the potential candidates.

• European Integration: Preparations are under way in Kyiv to remove Taras Kachka, the current Deputy Economy Minister responsible for European affairs. He would reportedly be replaced by Vsevolod Chentsov, Ukraine's current representative to the European Union.

Structural Reorganisation

One of the most important structural changes is expected to be the division of the existing Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture. The large ministry, which currently has a very broad remit, will probably be split into two separate institutions:

• Ministry of Economy and Environment – to be headed by Oleksii Sobolev
• Ministry of Agrarian Policy – to be headed by Taras Vysotskyi

The division is intended to improve the management of key sectors of the economy, particularly in the context of national reconstruction and Ukraine's future integration with the European Union.

Changes are also planned at the Ministry for the Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure. A Defence24 source indicates that Oleksii Kuleba may leave the government and that the existing ministry will be divided into two separate structures:

• Regional Affairs – to be headed by Vitalii Bezghin
• Infrastructure – the identity of the future minister has not yet been disclosed

The future of the Ministry of Digital Transformation also remains unclear. Valeriia Ionan was initially being considered for appointment as head of the ministry, but the situation remains fluid.