Ukrainian govt shake-up: Key ministers resign as war efforts intensify

President Zelenskiy prepares for a crucial US visit with a reshuffled government amid intensified war with Russia

KIEV:

Ukraine's Strategic Industries Minister, Oleksandr Kamyshin, resigned on Tuesday in anticipation of a new defence role, as part of a significant government reshuffle during a critical phase in the ongoing war with Russia. His resignation was followed by the departure of four other ministers: Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, and the ministers of justice, environment, and reintegration. This reshuffle leaves over a third of the cabinet vacant, following earlier dismissals this year.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his political allies are expected to fill these positions soon, aiming to stabilise the government before his upcoming visit to the United States. During this visit, Zelenskiy intends to present a "victory plan" to US President Joe Biden, a key ally in Ukraine’s war efforts. Zelenskiy, in his nightly address, emphasised the importance of this autumn, stating that Ukrainian institutions must be strengthened to ensure the country achieves its necessary objectives.

"For this, we must bolster certain areas of the government, and changes in its composition have been prepared. There will also be adjustments in the president’s office," he said.

Among the changes, Zelenskiy has dismissed Rostyslav Shurma, a deputy chief of staff responsible for the economy, according to an official decree on the presidential website. David Arakhamia, a senior member of Zelenskiy's party, indicated that this reshuffle would constitute a "major government reset," with more than half of the ministers being replaced. He also hinted that Wednesday would be a day of dismissals, followed by appointments the next day.

Stefanishyna, who has played a pivotal role in Kyiv’s efforts to join the European Union and NATO, is reportedly a candidate for a larger ministry that would combine her current responsibilities with those of the justice ministry. This potential restructuring was reported by Suspilne, a Ukrainian public broadcaster, citing a source from Zelenskiy’s party.

Meanwhile, Kamyshin, who has been leading Ukraine's efforts to ramp up domestic defence production, including the manufacture of attack drones and long-range missiles, announced that he would remain in the defence sector, albeit in a different capacity. Kamyshin, 40, has earned a reputation as a capable manager, particularly for his leadership of Ukraine’s national railways during the first year of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. He was appointed to head the defence production sector in March 2023, overseeing the production of thousands of drones. Last month, Zelenskiy confirmed that Ukraine had successfully used a new "drone-missile" and conducted test runs of a new ballistic missile.

A Pivotal Moment in the War

The reshuffle comes at a critical juncture in the war, as Ukraine pushes forward with a high-risk cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, while Russian forces continue to make gains in eastern Ukraine. Russia has also intensified its missile strikes, with the deadliest attack of the year occurring on Tuesday. Two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military institute in Poltava, central Ukraine, killing at least 50 people and wounding 271 others.

Political analysts and lawmakers have anticipated major changes in the Ukrainian government since the beginning of summer. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has previously suggested streamlining the government by merging certain ministries. As of now, at least five key portfolios, including those responsible for agriculture and infrastructure, have been vacant due to previous ministerial dismissals or resignations.

The opposition has voiced concerns over the ongoing vacancies and the overall state of the government. Opposition MP Iryna Herashchenko criticised the lack of ministerial leadership, stating that Ukraine is facing an "intellectual and personnel crisis" that the government is ignoring. She called for the formation of a government of national unity to challenge the stronghold of Zelenskiy’s political team and address the country's pressing issues.

With Ukraine engaged in a critical phase of the war and its leadership facing internal restructuring, the government’s ability to adapt and strengthen its institutions will be crucial in the coming months, particularly as Zelenskiy prepares to secure further international support.