Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans to replace Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, triggering the resignation of the country’s government after just one year in office.
In a statement posted on social media on Sunday, Zelenskyy said the reshuffle was necessary to implement an “updated political strategy” and confirmed that changes would also be made to the leadership of several law enforcement agencies.
While he did not name Svyrydenko’s successor or reveal her next role, Zelenskyy praised her performance as prime minister and said he had offered her an opportunity to take on a new position involving relations with one of Ukraine’s key international partners.
“I am grateful to Yulia for her clear, steady and effective work as Prime Minister and for her years of productive service to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said, adding that he expects Parliament to approve the proposed government changes.
Svyrydenko, an economist, became Ukraine’s prime minister in July 2025 after previously serving as deputy head of Zelenskyy’s office and later as deputy prime minister overseeing economic development and trade.
The announcement comes as Ukraine continues to grapple with a series of high-profile corruption scandals that have placed increasing pressure on the government.
The most significant case, known as the Midas investigation, centres on allegations of a US$100 million kickback scheme involving the state-owned nuclear energy company Energoatom. The scandal has implicated several figures reportedly close to Zelenskyy and led to the resignation of a senior presidential administration official.
Authorities have accused Timur Mindich, a former business associate of Zelenskyy, of orchestrating the scheme, while former presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak has also been named as a suspect. Both men have denied any wrongdoing.
Under Ukrainian law, the resignation of the prime minister must be approved by Parliament and automatically results in the resignation of the entire Cabinet, paving the way for a full government reshuffle.
Political observers have identified several possible candidates to replace Svyrydenko, including Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, and Naftogaz chief Serhiy Koretskyi.
Opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said Koretskyi is currently viewed as the strongest contender for the premiership, while Svyrydenko is expected to be appointed as Ukraine’s next ambassador to the United States, replacing Olga Stefanishyna, who assumed the diplomatic post last August.
