Zelensky hints prime minister Shmyhal may be appointed defense minister amid government reshuffle
Editor's note: The story was updated to include a statement from President Volodymyr Zelensky.
President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted on July 14 that Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal may be considered for the position of Ukraine’s defense minister as part of an anticipated government reshuffle.
"Denys Shmyhal's extensive experience will definitely be valuable in the position of Ukraine’s defense minister," Zelensky said in his evening address on July 14. "It is precisely in this area that the country’s resources are currently concentrated, the number of tasks is at its peak, and the responsibility is immense."
Zelensky’s statement confirmed earlier reports from two sources close to the Defense Ministry, who told the Kyiv Independent that Shmyhal is among the candidates being considered for the post.
Speculation about replacing Shmyhal — the country's longest-serving prime minister — has circulated since last summer. Although President Volodymyr Zelensky reshuffled several officials in September 2024, Shmyhal retained his position.
Earlier in the day, Zelensky announced that he had proposed Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to succeed Shmyhal as prime minister.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has been among them leading candidate to become the country's next ambassador to the U.S., Zelensky said last week.
According to Ukraine's constitution, the parliament appoints the government.
For Svyrydenko to become the next head of government, Shmyhal must formally submit his resignation to parliament, which is then obligated to vote on the issue.
If the parliament supports Shmyhal's resignation, the government resigns, and lawmakers have 30 days to vote on the next prime minister.
The parliament is reportedly planning to vote on dismissing the current government on July 16, with new cabinet appointments expected the following day.
Svyrydenko said she would soon present the list of proposed ministers.
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