**Ukraine’s President Zelensky Unveils New Cabinet Nominees**
In a surprise move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a sweeping government reshuffle, replacing the prime minister and dissolving the entire cabinet. As part of this shake-up, Zelensky has nominated former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as Ukraine’s new defense minister.
**A New Defense Minister**
Shmyhal served as prime minister for over five years before announcing his resignation on July 15. He thanked President Zelensky for his trust and praised his ministers for their “tireless work” on behalf of Ukraine. The nomination follows the formal acceptance of Shmyhal’s resignation by parliament earlier in the day, which dismissed his government and launched a cabinet reshuffle.
**Economy Minister Takes Over**
Zelensky has tapped First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko to replace Shmyhal. The 39-year-old economist has served in the cabinet since 2021 and was previously deputy head of the Presidential Office. Parliamentary leader David Arakhamia confirmed that Zelensky’s Servant of the People party backs her candidacy.
**New Ministers Appointed**
In addition to Svyrydenko, several other new ministers have been appointed. Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin will take over as head of Ukroboronprom, Ukraine’s largest state-owned defense manufacturer. Other appointees include:
* Mykhailo Fedorov, the current Digital Transformation Minister, who will become the first deputy prime minister
* Oleksiy Sobolev, who will lead a merged Economy, Ecology, and Agriculture ministry
* Taras Kachka, who will replace Olha Stefanishyna as deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration
**Reforms Ahead**
The shake-up comes at a critical time for Ukraine, with the country facing ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky has stated that he wants to increase Ukrainian-made weapons production by 20 times.
“I want more,” Zelensky said in an evening address on July 16. “Right now, Ukrainian-made weapons account for about 40% of what’s used on the front lines and in all our operations.”
The changes are expected to take effect once parliament approves them. The outcome will be closely watched by international observers, who see these reforms as crucial to Ukraine’s future stability and prosperity.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
