Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Sunday his intention to replace Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko after just one year in office, prompting the resignation of the entire government. Zelenskiy did not specify a successor for Svyrydenko or detail her new role, but indicated changes would also occur among law enforcement heads to "ensure the implementation of an updated political strategy," without providing further details.
Zelenskiy thanks Svyrydenko, hints at new role
"I am grateful to Yuliia for her clear, steady, and effective work as prime minister, for her years of productive service on Ukraine's team, and I have offered her the opportunity to lead a new and important area of relations with a key partner," Zelenskiy said on X. "I expect that, together with MPs, we will make the corresponding changes in the Government of Ukraine." Svyrydenko, an economist, was appointed in July 2025 after serving as deputy head of Zelenskiy's office for a year and as deputy prime minister for economic development and trade for four years.
Corruption scandal rocks Ukraine
Zelenskiy did not explain the reasons for the proposed changes among law enforcement leaders. Over the past year, Ukraine has been shaken by its largest corruption scandal, the so-called Midas case, which led to the resignation of the influential head of the presidential administration. Authorities allege the scheme involved a $100 million kickback at the state nuclear power company Energoatom. The scandal has engulfed figures close to Zelenskiy, casting a shadow over the government as Kyiv seeks to demonstrate its ability to tackle high-level corruption to Western allies.
Key figures implicated in Midas case
Authorities have accused Timur Mindich, Zelenskiy's former business partner, of leading the kickback scheme, and named former chief of staff Andriy Yermak as a suspect. Both have denied wrongdoing. Under Ukrainian law, the prime minister's resignation requires parliamentary approval and triggers the resignation of the entire government.
Potential successors and Svyrydenko's likely next post
Lawmakers suggest possible successors include Svyrydenko's predecessor, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal; Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov; and Serhiy Koretskyi, head of state energy company Naftogaz. Opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said Koretskyi had the strongest chance of being nominated as the new head of government, while Svyrydenko was likely to become ambassador to the United States, a post currently held by Olga Stefanishyna, appointed last August.
