Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has selected Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to become the new defence minister. In his video address, Zelenskyy said, “The vast experience of Denys Shmyhal will certainly be valuable in the position of minister of defence of Ukraine. This is precisely the area where the country’s maximum resources, maximum tasks and a great deal of responsibility are currently concentrated,” as quoted by Reuters.

Parliament’s Approval Expected Soon

However, Shmyhal’s appointment still needs parliament’s approval. Since most lawmakers support Zelenskyy after the Russian invasion, they are likely to confirm his choice without delay.

At the same time, Zelenskyy proposed Yulia Svyrydenko, who is now first deputy prime minister, as the new prime minister.

Rustem Umerov May Become US Ambassador

Meanwhile, current defence minister Rustem Umerov could soon serve as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States. Zelenskyy shared this plan last week.

Shmyhal’s Experience Led to His Selection

Shmyhal has served as Ukraine’s prime minister since 2020. He managed the country through the COVID-19 pandemic and later through Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Ukraine’s Biggest Government Reshuffle Since War Began

This reshuffle marks Ukraine’s largest leadership change since the war started. It comes after months of battlefield struggles and growing Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities.