BBC News Russian Service
·Jul 2026
“Ministerial Rotation?” Why Zelensky Is Replacing the Prime Minister and Who May Lead the Cabinet
Zelensky’s announcement of Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko’s impending dismissal signals a broader strategic shift focused on foreign policy and internal political recalibration during wartime. Analysts link the decision to the need for new diplomatic and political leverage, especially with Washington, Poland and Hungary, and note speculation that Sviridenko may be appointed ambassador to the United States. The reshuffle extends to security and ministerial positions amid ongoing tensions between the president and key officials, including the defence minister and SBU leadership. Potential candidates to replace the prime minister include Defence Minister Fedorov, former PM Shmyhal, Kharkiv mayor Terekhov and Naftogaz head Koretsky, each reflecting different strategic priorities. The restructuring is seen as part of a pre‑election repositioning in a political environment where formal elections remain impossible due to the war, creating a cycle of internal reshuffles and rising parliamentary assertiveness.