Housecleaning in the Ukrainian Government; Lawmakers Vote for New Zelensky Ministers

Ukrainian lawmakers on Thursday, September 15, voted to appoint 9 new ministers, including a new foreign minister and two deputy prime ministers. This is the largest reshuffle in Volodymyr Zelensky's government since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Andriy Sybiha, 49, an experienced diplomat who is less known in the public sphere, will take over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, replacing Dmytro Kuleba, one of Ukraine's most recognized political figures in the West in recent years. Although this replacement is unlikely to change foreign policy given Mr. Zelensky's prominent role in foreign affairs related to the war, it occurs at a critical diplomatic juncture as Kyiv seeks to put more pressure on its allies for additional aid. Volodymyr Zelensky, who is set to travel to the United States this month, hopes to present a 'victory plan' to U.S. President Joe Biden. He has stated that Ukraine needs 'new energy' and that this autumn will be very significant for the country. The changes were initiated following the resignation of several ministers. Previously, at least 5 cabinet positions in Ukraine had remained vacant. Volodymyr Zelensky had proposed a series of replacements, and lawmakers finally approved them on Thursday. Olha Stefanishyna, 38, was introduced as the head of a broader portfolio that combines her previous role overseeing Ukraine's accession to the European Union and NATO military alliance with the Ministry of Justice, whose minister resigned this week. Herman Smtanin, 32, a former engineer, was appointed as the Minister of Strategic Industries, responsible for domestic arms production. Oleksii Kuleba, the former deputy head of Mr. Zelensky's office, will serve as deputy prime minister, overseeing reconstruction, regions, and infrastructure, which includes significant oversight of potential financial flows. Analysts say that changes in the Ukrainian government had been in the works for some time but were delayed for various reasons, one of which was negotiations with the West for military and financial aid. Ukraine faces decisive months ahead, and Volodymyr Zelensky is working to gain more support from Western countries to take the initiative in the war with Russia. The resignation of the foreign minister and the change of half of Ukraine's cabinet followed the Russian attack. The President of Ukraine ordered major changes in the management of the war with Russia. Russia has stated that it will review its nuclear doctrine.