Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says he will replace Prime Minister Svyrydenko

Ukrainian President Zelensky Proposes Replacement of Prime Minister Svyrydenko

Kyiv, 12 July 2026 (UTC) – President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a proposal to replace Prime Minister Denys Svyrydenko amid growing concerns over the government’s handling of economic reforms and the ongoing war effort. The proposal, presented during a televised address, marks a significant shift in Kyiv’s political landscape as the country prepares for the upcoming parliamentary elections slated for later this year.

Key reasons cited by Zelensky for the change include:

• Stalled progress on critical anti‑corruption legislation.
• Rising public discontent over inflation and energy shortages.
• Perceived delays in coordinating military aid with Western partners.
• Calls from coalition partners for a more dynamic leadership style.

In his speech, Zelensky emphasized that the move is “necessary to reinforce Ukraine’s resilience and accelerate reforms that the Ukrainian people have been demanding for years.” He added that the President remains committed to a “unified government that can effectively manage both the war front and the home front.”

Reactions from political figures have been mixed. Opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko welcomed the proposal, stating that “a new prime minister could bring fresh energy to the reform agenda.” Meanwhile, members of the ruling Servant of the People party expressed caution, urging a transparent selection process to avoid further instability.

Potential successors mentioned by analysts include:

• Oleksiy Danilov – former head of the National Security and Defense Council, known for his strong ties to the military.
• Iryna Vereshchuk – current Minister of Social Policy, praised for her work on social welfare reforms.
• Mykhailo Fedorov – Deputy Prime Minister for Digital Transformation, a technocrat with a reputation for rapid implementation of projects.

The Ukrainian parliament (Verkhovna Rada) is expected to convene a special session within the next week to discuss the President’s proposal. According to the Constitution, the prime minister can be dismissed by a simple majority vote, but the process may be prolonged by political negotiations.

International observers, including representatives from the European Union and NATO, have called for “stability and continuity” in Kyiv’s leadership, stressing that any transition should not disrupt the flow of military and economic assistance.

As Ukraine approaches a critical phase in both its defense and domestic reforms, the proposed change in premiership underscores the delicate balance President Zelensky must maintain between political accountability and the urgent demands of a nation at war.