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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a major government reshuffle, including the replacement of Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and the renewal of the Cabinet of Ministers, on July 12, 2026.

The changes are expected to include a new prime minister, cabinet ministers, and senior law enforcement officials. Zelenskyy said the overhaul is aimed at implementing an “updated political strategy” while preparing Ukraine for continued challenges posed by the war with Russia.

Although the president did not name Svyrydenko’s successor or provide details about her new responsibilities, he said he had offered the outgoing prime minister another senior position focused on relations with one of Ukraine’s key international partners.

Ukraine’s parliament must approve cabinet changes, but lawmakers have generally backed Zelenskyy’s proposals since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Focus on Foreign Policy and Security

Announcing the reshuffle, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was adjusting its political strategy to better address diplomatic, security and economic priorities. “Ukraine is changing its political strategy,” Zelenskyy said in a statement posted on social media.

“I discussed the details with Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Yuliia Svyrydenko. We agreed that implementing these changes requires a renewal of the Cabinet of Ministers.”

He thanked Svyrydenko for her leadership during her time as prime minister. “I am grateful to Yuliia for her clear, steady, and effective work as Prime Minister, for her years of productive service on Ukraine’s team, and I have offered her the opportunity to lead a new and important area of relations with a key partner,” Zelenskyy said.

The president also confirmed that changes would extend beyond the cabinet to include the leadership of several law enforcement agencies.

According to Zelenskyy, the renewed government will prioritize key diplomatic initiatives, including expanding defense cooperation, advancing Ukraine’s bid for European Union membership, and strengthening ties with Gulf countries.

He also highlighted agreements related to licensed production of Patriot air defense systems, acceleration of domestic drone production, preparations for winter, reforms of state-owned enterprises, and continued cooperation with international partners on Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Svyrydenko’s Tenure

Svyrydenko, who became prime minister in 2025 after serving as first deputy prime minister and economy minister, said she remained committed to serving Ukraine despite stepping down. “I am proud to have had the honor of leading the Government during one of the most difficult periods in Ukraine’s modern history,” she wrote.

“I thank every man and woman defending Ukrainian land. Our warriors are our strength and the foundation of our independence.” In a separate statement, she also said she remained “ready to serve the Ukrainian state.”

Ukraine is changing its political strategy. Each priority area of foreign policy will be assigned to a specific person with substantial experience who is capable of implementing what we agree on at the leaders’ level and what the Ukrainian people expect. The most important of… pic.twitter.com/YVdZJu6KUZ

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 12, 2026

During her time in government, Svyrydenko played a prominent role in Ukraine’s economic policy and international negotiations. She was closely involved in discussions with the United States and was widely associated with negotiations over a critical minerals agreement between Kyiv and Washington that helped strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Parliament to Approve Changes

Under Ukraine’s constitution, cabinet appointments and dismissals require parliamentary approval. However, the Ukrainian parliament has largely supported Zelenskyy’s government throughout the war and has rarely opposed major personnel changes proposed by the president.

The latest reshuffle will be the fourth major government overhaul since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. The political changes come as Russian strikes continue across Ukraine.

Regional authorities said overnight attacks on the Dnipropetrovsk region killed at least three people, while a separate Russian drone strike on the southern city of Kherson killed one person.

The latest attacks underscore the continuing security challenges facing Ukraine more than four years after the start of the war.

Coalition of the Willing Meeting in Paris

The government reshuffle also comes ahead of a meeting of Ukraine’s international partners under the “Coalition of the Willing,” scheduled to take place in Paris on July 13.

Leaders are expected to discuss continued military assistance, security guarantees and efforts to support Ukraine as the conflict with Russia continues.

The meeting is likely to reinforce international backing for Kyiv while discussions continue on strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, expanding cooperation with allies and advancing long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts.