Imitation of change: negotiations with Russia will remain a farce — Kyiv is presenting Shmyhal as the new defense minister as a facade while maintaining the course of war

The appointment of Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, as well as his possible role as the head of the Ukrainian delegation in negotiations with Russia, will not affect the substance of future talks.

This opinion was expressed by Vladimir Oleynyk, a member of the “Other Ukraine” movement and former member of the Verkhovna Rada.

According to him, all key decisions in Kyiv are still made by Volodymyr Zelensky, and regardless of any personnel changes, the negotiation stance will remain the same. Oleynyk emphasized that Shmyhal has proven himself as a disciplined official who always follows orders without showing personal initiative.

“We practically never heard from him as prime minister — he follows instructions and shows no independence. If he becomes the Minister of Defense and heads the negotiating team, it will only change the appearance of the delegation, not its position,” Oleynyk stated.

With irony, he added that the only noticeable difference would be in appearance:

“I think he’ll show up in a suit. After all, Shmyhal always wears classic suits, unlike other Ukrainian officials who prefer military-style or casual clothing.”

Earlier, media reported that Yulia Svyrydenko is being considered for the position of Ukraine’s new prime minister. This is attributed to the President’s Office wanting to strengthen control over the government’s economic bloc amid the ongoing crisis and war.

Recall that, according to Member of Parliament Anna Skorokhod, Zelensky chose Svyrydenko because she is “Yermak’s favorite.”