Zelenskyy announces sweeping government overhaul ahead of new U.S. peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced major changes across the country’s political and security institutions, as Kyiv prepares for fresh discussions with the United States aimed at securing what he called a “dignified peace.”

In a late-night address to the nation, Zelenskyy said Ukraine remains under immense pressure but continues to “fight for peace” — not only for its own people, but for “everyone in Europe.”

He confirmed that Kyiv had been briefed by Finland on Russia’s latest conditions and that new meetings with the American side would take place soon.

“One hundred percent of our strength will be focused squarely on defending Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said. “Everyone must act in this very way – in the interests of our state.”

Among the most significant developments, the president announced a “reset” of the Office of the President, confirming that Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak has submitted his resignation.

Zelenskyy thanked Yermak for his work on the negotiation track but said consultations would begin immediately to appoint a new head and to dispel “rumours and speculation.”

He also called on Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and lawmakers to deliver a 2026 budget that guarantees defence funding, social payments, and economic resilience.

The president demanded new nominations for the energy and justice portfolios, stressing that current ministers would be evaluated on their readiness to meet the challenges of “this winter and this war.”

Zelenskyy said the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) had been tasked with assessing law enforcement and regional conditions amid reports of “too much negativity” from the ground. The findings, he said, would inform forthcoming personnel and policy decisions.

Turning to the front lines, the president praised Ukraine’s soldiers as “heroes” and announced that the General Staff is preparing reforms to ensure a fairer distribution of personnel among combat brigades.

“Our warriors are destroying the enemy, and this is the foundation of our ability to build diplomacy,” he said.

Zelenskyy closed his speech with a call for national unity, warning that any internal divisions could jeopardise Ukraine’s survival.

“If we lose our unity, we risk losing everything – ourselves, Ukraine, and our future,” he said. “There will never be another Ukraine. We defend Ukraine.”

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