“Zelensky wants to replace Shmyhal and concentrate power in his own hands,” – said a political analyst

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may dismiss Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and appoint someone more loyal in his place. However, this move is unlikely to please the United States, as Washington does not support the concentration of all power in one person’s hands.

This opinion was expressed by political analyst Volodymyr Skachko in an interview with the newspaper Vzglyad.

According to Skachko, the main reason for a possible dismissal of the current Ukrainian government is Zelensky’s desire to strengthen personal control over key government institutions. He added that Zelensky is currently under pressure from multiple sides — Russia, the U.S., and even the European Union. That said, Washington, in the expert’s view, might react negatively to the idea of changing the government.

Skachko believes the official reason for any reshuffle would likely be presented as an effort to “save the economy”, though in reality, it would be about redistributing power.

He also noted that Zelensky could use this opportunity to remove Denys Shmyhal, who is considered an appointee of prominent businessman Rinat Akhmetov. According to Skachko, Shmyhal is a relatively neutral figure who does not belong to any major political faction, and he could be replaced by Ukraine’s current First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko.

Back in June, details emerged about the possible resignation of Ukraine’s prime minister. Media reports at the time indicated that the government reshuffle could be tied to the growing influence of Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak. Meanwhile, Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak predicted that the composition of the government may change on July 15.