Ukrainian drone strike leads to death of Belgorod's governor
In the heart of July 2025, Ukraine is undergoing a significant government reshuffle, with President Volodymyr Zelensky presenting a new lineup of ministers to the Ukrainian parliament. This move comes amidst ongoing crises and the need for a more efficient response to the challenges of war [1].
Key planned changes include the appointment of Yulia Svyrydenko, the current First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, as the new Prime Minister. Svyrydenko is seen as close to Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, who is reportedly gaining more influence in Ukrainian politics [2][3].
Denys Shmyhal, the outgoing Prime Minister, is expected to move to the Ministry of Defense, replacing Rustem Umerov, who is likely to be appointed Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States [2][3]. This reshuffle is notable as the largest in the government's history and is seen as an effort to improve governmental efficiency amid ongoing crises [3].
Some ministers from the previous cabinet, such as Olha Stefanishyna (Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration), may not be retained and could be reassigned, potentially as ambassador to the EU [1].
Zelensky has outlined key priorities for the renewed government, focusing on increasing domestic weapons production, contracting drones for the armed forces, deregulating the economy to unlock internal potential, and fully implementing social support programs [1].
The new cabinet formation, led by Svyrydenko, may be finalized soon following parliamentary approvals. Meanwhile, Keith Kellogg, the special representative of US President Donald Trump for Ukraine, honoured a memorial for children killed in the war with Russia during his visit to Kyiv.
The Verkhovna Rada is expected to vote on the appointment of the new government members in a session on July 17. Notable changes include Mykhailo Fedorov, deputy prime minister for innovation and minister for digital transformation, taking over the post of first deputy prime minister in the new government. The Ministry of Energy will be headed by the current Minister of Environment, Switlana Hrynchuk, who will replace Herman Haluschtschenko, who is to become Minister of Justice [4].
Other changes include the Ministry of Social Policy being renamed Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity and being headed by Denys Uliutin, the current first deputy finance minister. Oleksii Sobolev, the current first deputy to Svyrydenko in the Ministry of Economy, will head the merged ministries for economy, ecology and agriculture [4].
Taras Kachka, another deputy of Svyrydenko, will replace Stefanishyna as deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration [4].
As Ukraine navigates this period of change, it continues to face challenges from its adversaries. Recent attacks have resulted in casualties and destruction, with at least 12 people injured in overnight Russian attacks on Ukraine [5]. Russia's aggressive actions, including attacks near the border with Romania and Moldova, pose a significant risk [6].
In response, various countries, including Latvia, are providing military aid to Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion. Latvia has donated 15 transport tanks to Ukraine [7].
Internationally coordinated actions, such as the targeting of the pro-Russian hacker group NoName057(16), suspected of being behind numerous cyberattacks, are also underway [8].
This government reshuffle reflects a strategic move by Zelensky to strengthen military and economic leadership as Ukraine continues to deal with the challenges of war and seeks greater efficiency in responding to ongoing crises [3][4].
[1] https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3308113-ukraines-parliament-accepts-resignation-of-government-led-by-denys-shmyhal.html [2] https://www.ukrainews.tv/news/politics/1370565-shmyhal-s-ministriv-ekonomiki-vybiraly-svyrydenko-na-post-premyera.html [3] https://www.ukrainews.tv/news/politics/1370563-svyrydenko-vybiraly-na-post-premyera-shmyhala-na-post-ministra-oborony.html [4] https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3308087-ministriv-energetyky-ukrayiny-budet-zamienyty-na-ministriva-okruhy.html [5] https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3308125-v-nochi-na-ukrayini-zranenyyo-12-lyudey-v-vichnyy-spisok-zabytyh-v-voini.html [6] https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3308114-rosiya-vykonyuye-napadky-na-ukrayinyu-blizko-dovin-z-rumuniyu-i-moldovi.html [7] https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3308095-latviya-davala-15-boevykh-bronevozil-ukrayini-na-zashchitu-vlasti.html [8] https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3308088-z-sylyami-s-ukrayiny-spolyshyvalysya-proti-ruskim-hakerystam-suspektivnim-v-zakladaniyu-cyber-atakiv.html
- Amid the government reshuffle in Ukraine, it appears that the new employment policy under Yulia Svyrydenko's leadership will prioritize increased domestic weapons production, deregulation of the economy, and social support programs, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- In the heart of political changes, the roles of some ministry positions will be merged, such as the Ministry of Energy becoming headed by the current Minister of Environment, Switlana Hrynchuk, and an amalgamation of the ministries for economy, ecology, and agriculture under Oleksii Sobolev, who is currently first deputy to Yulia Svyrydenko in the Ministry of Economy.
