On Tuesday, Ukraine experienced a significant government reshuffle as Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin, Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, and ministers of justice, environmental protection, and reintegration resigned. This move leaves over a third of the cabinet vacant, following earlier sackings this year.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and his allies are expected to fill these positions soon, aiming to stabilize the government before Zelensky’s upcoming visit to the United States, where he plans to present a “victory plan” to President Joe Biden.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of these changes for Ukraine’s effectiveness, stating, “Autumn will be extremely important for Ukraine,” and that government institutions need to be aligned to achieve necessary results.
In addition to the ministerial resignations, Zelensky has dismissed Rostyslav Shurma, one of his deputy chiefs of staff responsible for economic matters. David Arakhamia, a senior lawmaker, indicated that more than half of the ministers are expected to be replaced soon.
Stefanishyna, who has focused on Ukraine’s EU and NATO aspirations, might be appointed to lead a new, larger ministry. Kamyshin, who has overseen the boost in Ukraine’s defense production, will continue in the defense sector in a new role.
The reshuffle comes at a critical time as Ukraine engages in a risky cross-border operation into Russia’s Kursk region. Meanwhile, Russia’s intensified missile strikes have led to significant casualties, including at least 50 deaths and 271 injuries in a recent attack on a military institute in Poltava.
The ongoing government shake-up reflects broader concerns about the state of Ukraine’s leadership amid the war. Opposition lawmaker Iryna Herashchenko criticized the government for its “intellectual and personnel crisis,” calling for a national unity government to break Zelensky’s tight control over power.
