Ukraine: Warum Präsident Selenskyj eine neue Regierung will

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the resignation of Prime Minister Julia Swyrydenko, marking the dissolution of her entire government. The decision was approved by parliament with a clear majority on Tuesday, signaling a major political shift less than a year into the current administration. Earlier this week, Zelenskyy had shared on social media that he had offered Swyrydenko a new role, potentially as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States. According to Ukrainian media reports, she could take up this position, which would represent a significant change in her career trajectory. In a message posted on Telegram, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Swyrydenko’s “clear, stable and effective” work as prime minister, acknowledging her years of service within the Ukrainian team. He stated his intention to collaborate with lawmakers to implement necessary changes in the government structure. Following this announcement, photos were released showing Zelenskyy meeting with several senior officials, including the head of state energy company Naftogaz Serhiy Korytskyi, First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, and the mayor of Kharkiv Ihor Tereshchenko. The reasons behind Zelenskyy’s decision remain subject to speculation. Political analysts suggest that while a restructuring was initially planned for late autumn or early spring, recent developments have accelerated the process. Ihor Reytserovych, a professor at the Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv, notes that multiple incidents have prompted intervention. These include ongoing investigations into the U.S. ambassador, Olha Stefanyshyn, who faces scrutiny from Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities over her activities prior to her posting in Washington. Rumours suggest that Stefanyshyn may consider resigning due to these allegations. Reytserovych adds that American officials might have signaled discomfort with the controversy surrounding the ambassador, prompting Zelenskyy to act. He highlights that Stefanyshyn’s previous cooperation during the 2025 resource agreement with the U.S. has established trust, making her a viable candidate for the diplomatic post. Furthermore, Reytserovych speculates that recent scandals involving the Ukrainian military could have affected Zelenskyy’s public image as commander-in-chief. Investigative journalism has uncovered cases of torture, cruel treatment of recruits, and concealment of deaths outside combat situations. Concurrently, inspections are underway regarding violations related to conscription and mobilization, particularly after many men were identified as unfit for duty. Zelenskyy’s move may also aim to divert public attention away from these issues. Reytserovych suggests that communication challenges with certain ministers, notably Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, could have contributed to the reshuffling. By replacing key figures, Zelenskyy might be able to remove individuals whose removal would otherwise be more difficult from a reputational standpoint. Political commentator Wadym Denysenko from the analytical department of the Ukrainian portal DSNews points out that Swyrydenko emerged from the circle of former presidential office chief Andriy Yermak, who required obedient enforcers during his tenure. However, in a system without Yermak, Swyrydenko's role as an executor has become unnecessary, despite her continued loyalty to Zelenskyy following Yermak’s dismissal. Oleksiy Haran, a political analyst from the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, believes the government restructuring is linked to Yermak’s resignation. He suggests that the president’s actions reflect a broader effort to reshape the executive branch in light of changing political dynamics and internal pressures. As the situation unfolds, further developments are likely to shape the direction of Ukraine’s governance in the coming months.