KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko resigned Sunday after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a new reshuffle of his wartime government. Zelenskyy said he had offered her a senior role focused on relations with a key international partner.
The reshuffle marks the fourth major reorganization of Ukraine’s government since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. It comes as Kyiv seeks to maintain momentum in domestic governance and international diplomacy.
Svyrydenko Steps Down After One Year as Prime Minister
In a statement posted on social media, Svyrydenko said it had been an honor to lead the government during one of the most difficult periods in modern Ukrainian history.
“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.
She added that she had discussed her next responsibilities with Zelenskyy but did not disclose further details.
The 39-year-old economist became prime minister in July 2025 after serving as economy minister. She also helped negotiate a minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States, strengthening long-term economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Zelenskyy Promises New Political Strategy
Announcing the resignation, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was “changing its political strategy.” He confirmed that Svyrydenko had been offered responsibility for “a new, important area” involving relations with a key international partner.
He said experienced officials would oversee key foreign policy priorities and carry out agreements reached with international leaders.
“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.
Meanwhile, the president announced upcoming changes to Ukraine’s senior law enforcement leadership but did not provide further details.
Afterward, Zelenskyy met with several senior officials, including Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Ukraine remains under martial law. As a result, presidential and parliamentary elections have been suspended under the country’s wartime legal framework, allowing Zelenskyy to remain in office while the conflict continues.
Ukraine Continues Strikes on Russian Energy Facilities
The government reshuffle came as Ukraine continued long-range attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
Russian authorities said a Ukrainian strike in the southwestern Samara region killed one person and injured three others, including a child.
Regional Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said the attack damaged residential buildings and an unspecified industrial facility.
Russian media reported that the apparent target was Rosneft’s Syzran Oil Refinery, about 800 kilometers (500 miles) east of the Ukrainian border. Images published by Russian media appeared to show thick black smoke rising above the refinery.
In Russia’s Rostov region, Governor Yuri Slyusar said a drone attack damaged an empty tanker in the Azov-Black Sea maritime canal. However, he said there was no risk of an oil spill.
Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian oil refineries, fuel depots and other energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy has described the campaign as “long-range sanctions” in response to Moscow’s continued invasion.
The attacks have contributed to fuel shortages and gasoline rationing in several Russian regions. At the same time, Russia has intensified missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian cities.
Russia Reports Attacks on Black Sea Ports
Russia’s Defense Ministry said Sunday that its forces struck the Ukrainian Black Sea ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk.
Ukrainian authorities had not commented on the claim.
The exchange of long-range attacks continued as Ukraine pressed ahead with another major restructuring of its wartime government.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
Article Topics: Ukraine | Russia | Volodymyr Zelenskyy | Yulia Svyrydenko | Government | War in Ukraine | Europe | Defense
