Ukrainian PM Shmyhal submits resignation

Shmyhal posted a photo of the signed letter on the official Telegram channel of the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

“I thank our defenders — men and women — who hold the front and protect Ukraine. I thank President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his trust. I thank my entire team for their tireless work for our country. Glory to Ukraine!” he wrote.

Parliament must now review and vote on Shmyhal’s resignation. Once the Verkhovna Rada approves the resignation, the entire Cabinet of Ministers will automatically step down, as mandated by Ukrainian law.

Reshuffle in the Cabinet

Speculation about Shmyhal’s departure has circulated for weeks. In mid-June, MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said in parliamentary corridors that the decision to remove the prime minister had already been made.

On July 13, several media outlets reported that a new government could be formed as early as the following week. According to those reports, current First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko is the leading candidate to succeed Shmyhal.

Meanwhile, sources suggest that Shmyhal could become the new Minister of Defense, replacing Rustem Umerov — who, according to reports, may be appointed as Ukraine’s next ambassador to the United States.

The future Cabinet may also include structural reforms, such as merging certain ministries and redistributing responsibilities within the government.

On Monday, July 14, President Zelenskyy met with Yulia Svyrydenko and formally offered her the post of prime minister. In his evening address that same day, Zelenskyy noted that Shmyhal’s experience would be valuable in the role of defense minister.

On July 15, Zelenskyy held a working meeting with Svyrydenko and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov.

“We’re preparing the first steps for the new government. We’ve outlined key priorities for the next six months,” Zelenskyy said.