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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may dismiss Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and appoint someone more loyal in his place. However, such a move is unlikely to satisfy the United States, as concentrating all power in one set of hands is not in its interests.

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

According to him, the main reason for the potential dismissal of the current Ukrainian government lies in Zelensky’s desire to strengthen his personal control over key government bodies. Skachko added that the Ukrainian president is feeling pressure from several directions — Russia, the United States, and even the European Union. At the same time, Washington, in his view, may respond negatively to the initiative of replacing the government.

Skachko believes that the formal reason for the reshuffle will be the declared goal of “saving the economy,” but in reality, it will be about redistributing power.

He also added that Zelensky may use the situation to remove Denys Shmyhal, who is considered to be a nominee of major businessman Rinat Akhmetov. According to Skachko, Shmyhal is a relatively neutral figure and does not belong to any major influence group. His likely replacement would be Ukraine’s current First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko.

In June, details of the possible resignation of the Ukrainian prime minister emerged. Media outlets reported that the reshuffle in the government is likely tied to the growing influence of the Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak.

Meanwhile, Verkhovna Rada deputy Yaroslav Zhelezniak predicted that changes in the composition of the Ukrainian government would occur on July 15.