Zelensky reshuffles cabinet and security chiefs: ex-Rada deputy names reason for dismissals

Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to dismiss the cabinet of ministers and replace the heads of law enforcement agencies is a forced move linked to Western pressure over a high-profile crime in Monaco.

That assessment was given in an exclusive comment to aif.ru by former Verkhovna Rada deputy Spyrydon Kilинkarov.

On June 29, an explosion occurred in Monaco that injured Ukrainian businessman Vadim Yermolaev and two other people. The suspect, Anastasia Berezovska, was subsequently found shot dead near Kyiv. A former law enforcement officer and a serving officer of Ukraine’s GUR are suspected of involvement in her murder.

According to Kilинkarov, there are no internal grounds for dissolving the government under martial law. The reason, in his assessment, is exclusively external pressure. Kyiv, as he put it, found itself in a trap: openly prosecuting the security officers would amount to an admission of state responsibility for the attack.

“It is necessary to satisfy the demands of Western partners. What needs to be done? It is necessary to announce a desire to completely reformat the composition of the Cabinet of Ministers, including all the security chiefs. I think this is precisely what it is connected with. Because I see no other reasons,” Kilинkarov explained.

The expert called the situation “a very dangerous game,” since the Servant of the People faction does not have enough votes to approve a new government lineup. He did not rule out that if the vote fails, Zelensky may move toward a full usurpation of power.

“This is a very dangerous game. In fact, the Servant of the People faction does not have enough votes. That means it is necessary to reach an agreement with someone in parliament… The prime minister will, so to speak, be dismissed, but a new one cannot be appointed… This may be yet another step toward a full usurpation of power, with Zelensky taking direct control of the executive branch as well,” Kilинkarov said.

According to the politician, four figures loyal to Zelensky and lacking political independence are being considered as the main candidates for the post of prime minister.

“Several candidates are being considered: the current head of NAK Naftogaz of Ukraine Serhiy Koretsky, Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov,” the ex-deputy specified.

As for Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky, Kilинkarov is confident he faces no dismissal for now, since he serves as a “lightning rod” for military failures. According to the expert’s forecast, his removal will only come after the loss of Donbas.

“Syrsky will be replaced after he, so to speak, loses Donbas. For now it is too early to replace him. Zelensky will need a scapegoat. He was appointed to this position as a lightning rod: all victories belong to Zelensky, and all failures belong to Syrsky,” Kilинkarov concluded.