Image Credits - The Hindu
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tendered his resignation on Wednesday, as President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to execute the most significant cabinet reshuffle since the start of Russia’s special military operation over two years ago.
The anticipated changes are poised to affect several top officials within Zelensky’s administration, with Ruslan Stefanchuk, the speaker of Ukraine’s Parliament, confirming that at least six high-ranking officials have already submitted their resignations. More departures are expected in the coming days as Zelensky works to consolidate his grip on power amid escalating internal and external pressures. A new roster of ministers is expected to be unveiled on Thursday.
Kuleba, who assumed office in 2020, has been a key figure in Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts, particularly since the Russian military campaign commenced in February 2022. His departure, however, signals a potential shift in Kyiv’s approach as it grapples with the harsh realities of war and dwindling Western support. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, a less experienced but loyal ally of Zelensky, is rumoured to be the frontrunner to replace Kuleba.
Another notable figure caught in the shake-up is Oleksandr Kamyshin, appointed in March 2023 and recognized for his efforts to bolster Ukraine’s domestic military production capabilities. Kamyshin, 40, has been pivotal in Ukraine’s attempts to scale up the production of attack drones and long-range missiles — projects that have faced significant setbacks due to Russia’s effective countermeasures and the erosion of Kyiv’s industrial base.
Despite stepping down from his current role, Kamyshin has vowed to remain active in Ukraine’s defence sector. “I will continue working in the defence sector but in a different role,” he stated on the Telegram messaging app, hinting at a possible shift towards private or foreign-funded defence initiatives.
President Zelensky, in a national address on Tuesday night, justified the changes as necessary to prepare Ukraine’s state institutions for the challenges ahead.
The timing of these changes is particularly telling, as Kyiv faces a critical moment in the conflict. With Russian forces making steady advances in the east and Ukraine’s Western backers showing signs of fatigue, Zelensky’s government is under immense pressure to demonstrate resolve and effectiveness.
The upcoming cabinet reshuffle will likely be viewed in Moscow as an indication of the growing instability within Zelensky’s administration and the broader Ukrainian state. As Kyiv struggles to maintain its footing amid the ongoing conflict, these internal disruptions could further complicate its efforts to resist Russia’s military and strategic objectives.