Largest Ukrainian government reshuffle since start of Russian aggression

(Patria) - Ukrainian MPs yesterday voted in nine new ministers, including the head of diplomacy and two deputy prime ministers.

This is the largest government reshuffle by President Volodymyr Zelensky since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022.

Andriy Sibiha, an experienced but publicly unknown 49-year-old diplomat, takes over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Dmytro Kuleba, one of the most recognizable faces of the Ukrainian government in the West in recent years.

Although the change will not affect Ukraine's foreign policy, which is led by Zelensky through the war, it is happening at a sensitive diplomatic moment, as Kyiv seeks additional aid from Western allies while simultaneously trying to approach countries of the global South.

Zelensky is traveling to the US this month, where he hopes to present his "victory plan" to President Joe Biden.

The government reshuffle began on Tuesday when several ministers resigned. At least five other portfolios had already become vacant due to earlier departures.

Dmytro Razumkov, an opposition MP, believes that the new appointments will not lead to major changes.

"Most decisions are ultimately made in Zelensky's office, which has been granted extraordinary powers during wartime," Razumkov said.

Olha Stefanishyna's portfolio has been expanded, so in addition to leading the country's accession to the European Union and NATO, she has also become the Minister of Justice.

In a speech to MPs before her confirmation, she said that "hundreds and thousands" of legal changes are needed for Ukraine to become an EU member.

Former engineer, 32-year-old Herman Smetanin, has been appointed Minister of Strategic Industries, and will also be responsible for domestic arms production.

Oleksiy Kuleba, the current deputy head of Zelensky's office, has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister.

He will be responsible for reconstruction, regions, and infrastructure, which is an important portfolio overseeing potentially huge flows of money.

New ministers of agriculture, culture, environment, veterans, and sports have also been appointed.

Reuters writes that this government reshuffle appears to be a political refreshment, the only one possible during wartime when Ukraine does not hold elections.