Ukraine's prime minister steps down as Zelenskyy announces government reshuffle

By — Samya Kullab, Associated Press Samya Kullab, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/ukraines-prime-minister-steps-down-as-zelenskyy-announces-government-reshuffle Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Ukraine's prime minister steps down as Zelenskyy announces government reshuffle World Jul 12, 2026 11:38 AM EDT KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stepped down on Sunday as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced fresh changes to Ukraine's government, saying he had offered a new and important position to the former premier. Zelenskyy, who has remained in office under martial law because wartime elections are prohibited, has periodically reshuffled his government in an effort to bring fresh momentum to his administration. READ MORE: Ukrainian drones batter Russian oil facilities and set more oil tankers ablaze Svyrydenko, who has served as Ukraine's economy minister, was named prime minister in July 2025 at the age of 39 after playing a lead role in securing a mineral agreement between Ukraine and the United States, seen as an important way of tying U.S. interests to Ukraine's security. In a statement on social media, Svyrydenko said she was "proud to have had the honor of leading the government during one of the most difficult periods in Ukraine's modern history." She also said she had discussed "next steps" with Zelenskyy, but did not provide further details. "I remain ready to serve the Ukrainian state and carry out every task aimed at strengthening Ukraine's position, defending our national interests and bringing a just peace closer," she said. Zelenskyy announced her resignation in a post saying that Ukraine was "changing its political strategy." He also said he had offered Svyrydenko the opportunity to lead "a new, important area" in Ukraine's relations with a key international partner. "Each priority area of foreign policy will be assigned to a specific person with substantial experience who is capable of implementing what we agree on at the leaders' level and what the Ukrainian people expect," Zelenskyy said, describing the impending reshuffle. The Ukrainian leader also said there would be changes among the top ranks of Ukraine's law enforcement agencies. WATCH: Trump says in Zelenskyy meeting that U.S. will allow Patriot missiles to be made overseas Zelenskyy met with a series of senior officials following the announcement, including Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The overhaul, which Zelenskyy has yet to explain in detail, would be the fourth major reorganization of his government since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Ukraine continues strikes against Russian oil sites Elsewhere, a Ukrainian attack in southwest Russia killed one person and wounded three more, local officials said Sunday, as Kyiv's forces continued to bombard Russia's oi