President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to head Ukraine’s government and substantially overhaul its operations, the president announced on 14 July.
“We are beginning the transformation of the executive power system in Ukraine. I have proposed Yulia Svyrydenko to head Ukraine’s government and substantially renew its work. I expect the presentation of the new government’s action program in the near future,” Zelenskyy said.
The presidential announcement followed Svyrydenko’s report on implementing agreements with European and American partners regarding Ukraine support, reached during the reconstruction conference in Rome.
“We must implement everything that can support the sustainability of our state and society as quickly as possible. We discussed specific measures that can strengthen Ukraine’s economic potential, expand support programs for Ukrainians and scale up domestic weapons production,” the president noted.
The government changes began with rumors about replacing Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Oksana Makarova. On 10 July, Zelenskyy first commented on changing Ukraine’s US ambassador, confirming Oksana Markarova’s replacement while expressing his desire for her to continue working in Ukraine.
The president previously indicated that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov could become the new US ambassador. Current Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal’s candidacy may be nominated for defense minister to replace Umerov.
Besides Shmyhal, officials considered Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and Deputy Prime Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov for the defense ministry position. According to sources, the new government appointment may occur at the parliamentary session on 17 July.
The president also announced plans to transfer the Ministry of Strategic Industries to the Defense Ministry structure. On 13 July, a meeting took place between the president and prime minister. Following the meeting, Zelenskyy announced executive power transformation to free up resources.