Zelensky dismisses Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko

Vladimir Zelensky announced the resignation of Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko as part of a sweeping government reorganization. According to the Kyiv Independent, this is already the second major personnel shake-up in the country’s wartime leadership within a year.

Sviridenko confirmed her resignation on July 12. She had served as prime minister for about a year, having succeeded Denys Shmyhal in July 2025. According to the Kyiv Independent, she is expected to move to a new role connected with coordinating Ukraine’s cooperation with key international partners.

Sviridenko’s successor has not yet been named. On Sunday, Zelensky did not officially announce a candidate for the post of prime minister; however, Ukrainska Pravda reported that four contenders are being considered: Serhiy Koretsky, CEO of Naftogaz; Denys Shmyhal, who serves as minister of energy; Mykhailo Fedorov, minister of defense; and Ihor Zhovkva. According to TVP World, Zelensky held separate meetings with a number of ministers on Sunday as part of the candidate selection process.

The reshuffle of July 2025, which brought Sviridenko to lead the government, was described as the most sweeping political changes since the start of the war — aimed at boosting defense production, strengthening ties with the United States, and improving Ukraine’s economy.

Zelensky presented Sunday’s changes as necessary for advancing Ukraine’s foreign policy and defense goals, according to Al Jazeera. He did not publicly disclose the specific reasons for Sviridenko’s dismissal. According to Politico, the reshuffle reflects Zelensky’s desire to maintain a government capable of responding swiftly to the changing demands of the conflict.

The Verkhovna Rada will need to confirm the new prime ministerial candidate — a process that could unfold within the coming days.