Ukraine appoints new foreign minister, 2 deputy PMs in biggest reshuffle since war began

Zelenskyy, who is scheduled to visit the United States this month to present a "victory plan" to President Joe Biden, described the reshuffle – happening at a pivotal moment in the war with Russia – as necessary to bring "new energy" to the country.

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Parliament Press Office, Ukraine's newly appointed Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha speaks in parliament in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Andrii Nesterewnko/Ukrainian Parliament Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian lawmakers voted on Thursday to appoint a new foreign minister and two deputy prime ministers, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initiated his largest government overhaul since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Andrii Sybiha, 49, a seasoned diplomat with a low public profile, has been appointed as the new foreign minister, replacing Dmytro Kuleba, who has been one of Ukraine’s most recognisable figures in the West. Despite the change, it is not expected to significantly alter foreign policy, as Zelenskyy and his office have primarily managed Ukraine’s foreign affairs during the war.

Zelenskyy, who is scheduled to visit the United States this month to present a “victory plan” to President Joe Biden, described the reshuffle – happening at a pivotal moment in the war with Russia – as necessary to bring “new energy” to the country.

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Opposition lawmaker Dmytro Razumkov suggested that the new appointments would have little impact, noting that most decisions are made by Zelenskyy’s office, which has been granted substantial emergency powers under wartime martial law.

Parliament also re-appointed 38-year-old Olha Stefanyshyna as deputy prime minister for European integration, expanding her role to include oversight of the justice ministry. In her speech, Stefanyshyna emphasised the need for “hundreds and thousands” of legal reforms as Ukraine pursues European Union membership.

Additionally, lawmakers approved the appointment of Oleksiy Kuleba, a former deputy head of Zelenskyy’s office, as deputy prime minister overseeing reconstruction, regional development, and infrastructure. Further ministerial appointments are expected later as part of the broader government reshuffle.

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