The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has officially supported President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s submission and dismissed Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. A total of 312 MPs voted in favor, indicating broad parliamentary support. Shmyhal’s resignation became the central political event of the day and may signal the beginning of a major transformation of Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers.
The decision had been anticipated following several days of political consultations and statements regarding a government reshuffle. In his farewell speech, Denys Shmyhal thanked his team for working under the challenging conditions of war and crisis, and highlighted achievements in energy, defense, and international cooperation. “These years were the most difficult in Ukraine’s independent history, but we stood firm together,” he said from the parliamentary podium.
Political Motivation and the President’s Office Position
President Zelenskyy noted in his submission that Shmyhal’s resignation is part of a broader plan to renew the executive branch. The primary motivation is to enhance reform efforts and prepare the country for new challenges, especially in the economic and security spheres. “We need an effective team for rapid post-war reconstruction,” the president’s address to the Rada stated.
According to media reports, the leading candidate for the new Prime Minister is Yuliia Svyrydenko, currently serving as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy. She is seen as a reform-oriented professional with a clear vision and experience in international negotiations, particularly with the IMF and the EU. Svyrydenko has already held consultations with parliamentary factions and secured preliminary support from the majority.
Analysts emphasize that replacing the head of government also carries strategic weight ahead of potential new negotiations with allies, especially regarding upcoming aid tranches and cooperation with the U.S. and NATO. Shmyhal’s dismissal could signal a shift in Ukraine’s internal policies and external communication strategy.
Reactions from Parliament, Experts, and the International Community
The reaction in the session hall was mostly constructive. Speaker of the Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, thanked Shmyhal for his service and expressed hope that the new government would ensure continuity of reforms. However, some opposition MPs criticized the decision-making process, pointing to rushed consultations and lack of transparency in forming the new Cabinet.
Against this backdrop, Ukraine’s international partners are closely watching the government changes. European Commission representatives stated they expect Kyiv to maintain its pro-European course and continue implementing reforms stipulated in the Association Agreement. The U.S. State Department emphasized that “Washington supports institutional stability in Ukraine and will continue cooperation with the government regardless of personnel changes.”
According to government sources, Shmyhal may take on a new role—possibly a diplomatic mission or an advisory position in international institutions. There is no official confirmation yet, but he is not expected to leave public life entirely.
Yuliia Svyrydenko, for her part, has already prepared a new government program. Her priorities include economic stabilization, digital transformation, energy independence, and anti-corruption reforms. A vote on her candidacy is expected within the next two to three days.
This is the third government resignation since the beginning of the full-scale war, now ongoing for more than three years. Political analysts note that such reshuffles are not a sign of weakness but rather proof of the political system’s adaptability and the government’s responsiveness to evolving challenges.
Foreign partners consider maintaining stability in the Ministries of Defense, Finance, and Infrastructure essential—especially amid ongoing military threats from Russia. According to insiders, no changes are planned in those sectors at this time.
Ukraine’s civil society, including think tanks, has welcomed the change of Prime Minister as an opportunity to reboot the country’s strategic direction. At the same time, activists demand transparency and public engagement in forming the new government.
Recent polls show that over 50% of Ukrainians support the idea of replacing the Prime Minister, but expect effectiveness from the successor. This demonstrates the public’s high political sensitivity to the quality of governance during wartime.
In conclusion, Denys Shmyhal’s resignation marks a turning point in Ukraine’s political landscape. It opens a new phase of government formation, which must not only preserve stability but also ensure rapid modernization in the face of unprecedented challenges. Whether Yuliia Svyrydenko will become the new head of government will be revealed in the coming days.
