Ukraine's parliament voted on Tuesday to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, formally dissolving her government and setting the stage for a wartime cabinet reshuffle. The move, announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 12 July, is part of what he called a necessary 'reset' of the executive branch.
Zelenskyy indicated that Svyrydenko would be offered a new role focused on co-operation with one of Ukraine's 'key partners', prompting speculation in Kyiv that she may be appointed ambassador to Washington. Svyrydenko is well known in US policy circles, having led negotiations on last year's US-Ukraine minerals deal, which helped elevate her to the premiership in the summer of 2025.
Energy chief emerges as frontrunner
Ukrainian media reports suggest that Sergii Koretskyi, chief executive of the state-owned energy company Naftogaz, is the leading candidate to replace Svyrydenko. Koretskyi recently accompanied Zelenskyy to the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, signalling his growing role in strategic affairs.
If confirmed, Koretskyi would take office at a critical juncture. Ukraine faces sustained Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, with Moscow intensifying its campaign to degrade the country's power network. Kyiv has warned that preparing the system for the coming winter is a top priority, as repeated strikes have plunged cities into darkness during freezing temperatures.
Koretskyi has been directly involved in those efforts since becoming Naftogaz chief executive in May 2025, after being appointed by the company's supervisory board. His tenure has focused on maintaining energy stability despite repeated strikes on production facilities.
The reshuffle comes as Ukraine continues to press its military campaign. In a recent operation, Ukraine struck over 100 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov in eight days, further isolating Crimea. Meanwhile, international support remains robust: the UK has joined the EU's €90 billion loan for Ukraine, committing to a fair contribution.
The composition of the next cabinet remains unclear, with no official confirmation on which ministers will retain their posts across key portfolios. The parliament is expected to vote on the new prime minister and cabinet in the coming days.
Observers in Brussels and other European capitals are watching closely, as Ukraine's governance stability is seen as crucial for maintaining Western support. The reshuffle also comes amid broader European security concerns, including MSF's accusation that Russia is deliberately destroying Ukraine's healthcare system.
