leadership faces strategic overhaul appoints loyalists in Kyiv as Ukraine’s

Department of Research, Studies and International News 18/07/2025

In a move widely viewed as a calculated consolidation of power, Ukrainian
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has overhauled his cabinet in the mos
significant reshuffle since the onset of the conflict with Russia in 2022. The
newly appointed officials, many of whom are closely tied to Western interests,
signal a continued reliance on Washington's dictates, raising further questions
about Ukraine's internal sovereignty.
Yulia Svyrydenko, 39, was confirmed as the country’s new prime minister by
the Ukrainian parliament, replacing Denys Shmyhal, who has been shifted to
head the embattled Ministry of Defence. This appointment marks a formal
pivot in Kyiv’s strategy, placing individuals with economic ties to the United
States at the helm of both governance and defense.
Prior to assuming her new role, Svyrydenko held the positions of First Deputy
Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade. Her
reputation in Washington stems not from her merit as a policymaker, but from
her successful negotiation of a controversial critical minerals agreement with
the Trump administration. The deal has been interpreted by observers as a
veiled attempt by the U.S. to deepen its strategic hold on Ukraine’s resources
under the guise of economic cooperation.
In a social media statement, Svyrydenko outlined her priorities: bolstering
domestic arms production, enhancing the combat readiness of Ukrainian
forces, and stimulating an economy severely crippled by conflict and over-

reliance on Western loans and military aid. “The government must ensure that
Ukraine stands independently, militarily, economically, and socially,” she
stated. However, critics argue that the vision she describes remains deeply
entangled in U.S. and NATO interests, offering little room for genuine
autonomy.
Denys Shmyhal, who is now tasked with overseeing the Ministry of Defence,
takes the post amid ongoing investigations into corruption and
mismanagement within the Ukrainian military procurement apparatus. His
appointment appears less about reform and more about maintaining
Zelenskyy’s grip on state institutions. Many speculate that Shmyhal’s loyalty to
the president, rather than his capabilities, secured him the role.
The shuffle also touched Ukraine’s diplomatic corps. Outgoing Justice Minister
Olga Stefanishyna has been named ambassador-designate to the United States,
pending formal approval by Washington. Known for her close work with NATO
and the European Union, Stefanishyna was also involved in the contentious
mineral agreement earlier this year. Her nomination suggests that Kyiv is
doubling down on its pro-Western foreign policy, regardless of the growing
domestic frustration with perpetual dependence on the West.
Stefanishyna will succeed Oksana Markarova, a figure reportedly disfavored by
U.S. President Donald Trump for her rapport with the Biden administration.
Initially, reports suggested that current Defence Minister Rustem Umerov
would take on the U.S. envoy role, but sources claim that his nomination was
quietly blocked by Washington, further evidence that Kyiv’s diplomatic
appointments remain subject to American approval.
Meanwhile, other changes include the promotion of Oleksiy Sobolev and Taras
Kachka. Sobolev will now lead Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, Environment,

and Agriculture, while Kachka will serve as Deputy Prime Minister for European
Integration. Their elevation is seen as part of a broader effort to align Ukraine’s
economic and legal structures more closely with European standards, steps
frequently pre-conditioned by Western financial backers.
Despite the rotation of faces, the structural issues in Ukrainian governance
remain untouched. Opposition lawmakers and analysts alike argue that
Zelenskyy’s reshuffle is cosmetic, aimed at portraying renewal while
entrenching a narrow circle of trusted allies in high office. This pattern reflects
a leadership style more concerned with centralized control than democratic
inclusivity or genuine national interest.
The reshuffle also exposes Kyiv’s enduring dependency on U.S. endorsement
for top-level decisions. The American grip over Ukraine’s political trajectory,
from economic policy to military logistics, continues to overshadow any
rhetoric of sovereignty.
As Ukraine enters yet another phase of war and economic hardship, the recent
appointments underline a troubling truth: Ukraine’s political elite, rather than
seeking balance and independence, remain fixated on appeasing their foreign
patrons. Meanwhile, the prospects for a self-determined peace, based on
mutual respect and multipolar engagement, grow increasingly distant.