 "Ukraine's major government shake-up amid stalled talks with Russia. Is Zelenskyy eyeing more control?")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a major government reshuffle, replacing his prime minister, defence minister and nominating a new ambassador to the United States, as he seeks to inject fresh political energy more than three years into Russia’s invasion.
Here are the main points to know about the shake up, which comes as ceasefire talks with Russia stall and with the White House vowing to keep backing Kyiv.
Ukraine’s new PM with US ties
Ukraine’s new prime minister is Yulia Svyrydenko, who set her priorities as strengthening the economy, scaling up arms production and expanding support programs.
“It is a great honour for me to lead the Government of Ukraine today,” Svyrydenko said, adding that “war leaves no room for delay. We must act swiftly and decisively”.
Svyrydenko, who was confirmed by Ukraine’s parliament on Thursday, is known for finalising a natural resources deal with the United States that nearly derailed ties between the countries.
“She was the key and the only person leading these negotiations. She managed to prevent them from unravelling,” said Tymofiy Mylovanov, a former economy minister who worked with Svyrydenko.
She won the respect of US partners and businesses, analysts have said.
“Trump and his administration are now a priority for Ukraine. Svyrydenko has proven herself there and will continue to do so,” said political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko.
A new ambassador to the US
Zelenskyy has named outgoing Justice Minister Olga Stefanishyna as his pick for ambassador to the United States – though her candidacy needs to be approved in Washington.
Stefanishyna would be taking over from Oksana Markarova, who organised aid and fostered good relations with Joe Biden’s administration.
But with Trump having railed against his predecessor’s multi-billion-dollar support for Kyiv and U-turning multiple times on weapons for Kyiv, Zelenskyy has decided to change his envoy to the White House.
Zelenskyy said that Stefanishyna, who also took part in negotiations on the minerals deal, would help “continue to work with the United States on this basis – adding mutually beneficial economic substance to our political and diplomatic interaction”.
Her nomination is a surprise after Zelenskyy had last week strongly indicated that outgoing defence minister Rustem Umerov, who led two recent rounds of negotiations with Russia, would be his pick for US ambassador.
The president has not said why he opted for Stefanishyna over Umerov, or what role the latter will have, if any, in the new government.
Is Zelenskyy seeking more control?
Zelenskyy’s rivals have long accused him of seeking to consolidate power and some critical media say Svyrydenko’s appointment marked the latest step in this trend.
Svyrydenko is seen as loyal to Andriy Yermak, the powerful head of the Zelenskyy’s office.
Ukrainska Pravda, a respected independent media outlet, published a report describing the moves as “the strengthening of the head of the presidential office – although it’s hard to see how that’s possible”.
“It’s obvious that the Presidential office’s influence will increase,” opposition lawmaker Mykola Kniazhytskyi told AFP.
“The authorities are pursuing further centralisation and refusing any dialogue,” he added.
Other expected changes
Outgoing prime minister, an unassuming technocrat, Denys Shmyhal, will take over the defence ministry brief, Zelenskyy has said.
Fesenko said Shmyhal’s appointment as defence minister would likely see him “bring some order” to the ministry, which has previously been plagued by corruption scandals.
After voting on the prime minister, lawmakers are due to approve her new government, according to political commentators, who suggested changes could be expected at the energy ministry.
With input from agencies
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