Andrij Sybiha has replaced Dmytro Kuleba as Ukraine's Foreign Minister. He is not the only newcomer in the government, which has seen the largest changes since the war began in February 2022.
Both ministers and advisors have been replaced, and now Zelenskyj wants to see quick results, among other things, in the war effort, the path to EU membership, and economic stability.
There are dozens of such specific tasks and everyone must deliver tangible results this autumn, says the president in a speech published on social media.
Former Ambassador
The most well-known person to leave the government, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, has been replaced by 49-year-old Andrij Sybiha.
He comes from a position as Kuleba's Vice Foreign Minister and before that, he has, among other things, served as Ukraine's ambassador to Turkey and as President Volodymyr Zelenskyj's Vice Chief of Staff.
Kuleba submitted – without further explanation – his resignation on Wednesday. According to The Kyiv Independent's sources within the presidential administration, "he wanted out". According to AFP, he was forced out after Zelenskyj's inner circle believed that he was spending more energy on promoting himself than working for Ukraine's best interests.
Approved Ministers
Kuleba had been the country's Foreign Minister since 2020. During the war, he – alongside Zelenskyj – has been the face of Ukraine's struggle for support from the West, and has, among other things, visited Sweden several times.
Besides Kuleba, others, such as Environment Minister Ruslan Strilets and Justice Minister Denys Maljuska, have resigned. Oleksandr Kamysjin, Minister responsible for the country's arms production, has also announced his resignation.
The parliament in Kiev approved the ministerial changes on Thursday, in addition to those mentioned, also ministers responsible for agriculture, nature conservation, culture, and military veterans.
