Ukrainian Parliament Dismisses PM Yulia Svyrydenko and Cabinet of Ministers

Верховная рада отправила в отставку премьер-министра Юлию Свириденко

Yulia Svyrydenko had served as prime minister for nearly a year, having been appointed by the parliament on July 17, 2025. On July 13, the day before the formal vote, Svyrydenko submitted her resignation statement to the Verkhovna Rada. Reports from the parliament indicate that the transition process is underway, with the parliamentary channel “Rada” broadcasting the proceedings of the session.

Президент Владимир Зеленский инициировал обновление состава кабинета министров

The decision to overhaul the government was initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On July 12, President Zelenskyy announced the necessity of updating the Cabinet of Ministers, as well as changes to the leadership of law enforcement agencies. According to official reports, the president stated that Ukraine is shifting its political strategy, noting that specific individuals with significant experience will be tasked with leading priority foreign policy directions. President Zelenskyy publicly thanked Svyrydenko “за четкую, стабильную и эффективную работу в должности премьер-министра” during their discussions regarding the cabinet renewal.

Regarding Svyrydenko’s future, President Zelenskyy had suggested a new role for her related to relations with one of Ukraine’s key partners. While Ukrainian media outlets speculated that the role was the position of ambassador to the United States, sources cited by “Ukrainska Pravda” reported that Svyrydenko had already declined that offer. Additionally, Verkhovna Rada deputy Olha Vasylevska-Smahliuk suggested that Svyrydenko might be considered for the position of head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. Sources close to Svyrydenko have not confirmed these reports.

Сергей Корецкий рассматривается как основной кандидат на пост главы правительства

As the government transition proceeds, attention has turned to the selection of a new head of government. Reports from “Ukrainska Pravda,” “Financial Times,” and “RBC-Ukraine” have identified Serhiy Koretsky as a primary candidate for the position of prime minister. Koretsky, 48, has served as the general director of the state-owned energy company “Naftogaz” since 2025. Prior to that role, he led the company “Ukrnafta” for three years following its nationalization from oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky. According to Ukraine’s 24th Channel, during his tenure at “Ukrnafta,” Koretsky oversaw the company’s transition from generating losses to achieving profitability, establishing it as one of the most successful state-owned companies.

While the appointment of a new prime minister remains a subject of intense speculation, the Verkhovna Rada is expected to make a final decision on the new head of government within two days of the July 14 vote. Other potential political shifts have been discussed in the media; for example, deputy Olha Vasylevska-Smahliuk suggested that the current head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, could be considered for the role of Minister of Defense.

The timeline for these events was set in motion on July 12, when President Zelenskyy first signaled the impending changes to the cabinet. By July 13, Svyrydenko had indicated to the public that her resignation was not voluntary but rather initiated by the president. As of July 14, 2026, the official status of the government remains in a transitionary phase, with the legislature tasked with confirming a new cabinet structure.

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