Ukraine's PM Shmyhal resigns as part of major government reshuffle

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Tuesday that he had submitted his resignation, paving the way for the country’s most significant government reshuffle since the start of the full-scale war with Russia.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Tuesday that he had submitted his resignation, paving the way for the country’s most significant government reshuffle since the start of the full-scale war with Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday nominated First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko as Shmyhal’s replacement. A long-time ally of Zelenskyy, Svyrydenko is expected to take over leadership of the government following a parliamentary vote later this week.

Shmyhal, who has served as prime minister since March 2020, is expected to be appointed as Ukraine’s new defence minister, according to Zelenskyy.

In a statement on Telegram, the president said he had already met with Svyrydenko to outline key priorities for the next six months. "We are preparing the first steps for the renewed government," he said, sharing a photo from their meeting.

Zelenskyy said the new government's top goals would include ramping up domestic arms production and implementing economic reforms to unlock Ukraine’s long-term growth potential.

The reshuffle comes as Russian forces continue their slow advance in eastern Ukraine and hopes for a ceasefire remain distant. Despite massive international aid, Ukraine’s economy remains below pre-war levels, and the country faces growing financial pressures.

With international assistance expected to decline, Ukrainian officials estimate that the country will require around $40 billion in external funding in 2026 to cover its budget deficit.

Parliament is scheduled to vote on the new government appointments on Thursday.

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