Ukraine's prime minister stepping down after only a year, in Zelenskyy reshuffle

Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko has stepped down as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy begins a reshuffle of Ukraine's government.

The Ukrainian president said that he was "grateful" to the outgoing PM - appointed last July - but that Kyiv will be "changing its political strategy" ahead of the winter.

He also said he had offered a new and important position to the former premier.

Mr Zelenskyy did not specify who he would ask to lead the government or what Ms Svyrydenko's new position would be, but said he expects MPs to "make the corresponding changes".

He added that there would also be changes among the heads of law enforcement agencies.

On Sunday, the president said on X that Ukraine "is changing its political strategy" in foreign policy with figures with "substantial experience... capable of implementing what we agree on at the leaders' level and what the Ukrainian people expect".

He added "same applies to our domestic work," and said: "Preparing for winter is an extremely important priority, and Ukraine must be ready for every threat that may arise."

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Mr Zelenskyy cited domestic priorities including drone production, work in frontline and border areas during the war with Russia, "the transformation of state-owned companies" needing acceleration, and war recovery agreements with allies.

"Accordingly," he added, "personnel changes will begin in Ukraine to ensure the implementation of the updated political strategy."

'I am proud' says outgoing PM

The president said that after a discussion with Ms Svyrydenko, they "determined that these changes require a renewal" of government, and added that he is "grateful to Yuliia for her clear, steady, and effective work".

He also said that the outgoing prime minister was offered a role "to lead a new and important area of relations with a key partner".

Ms Svyrydenko is an economist who previously served as deputy head of Mr Zelenskyy's office, and also spent four years as deputy prime minister.

In a seperate post on X, she did not confirm she was asked to step down, but said: "I am proud to have had the honour of leading the Government during one of the most difficult periods in Ukraine's modern history."

Mr Zelenskyy met with a series of senior officials following the announcement, which marks his fourth government overhaul since Russia's invasion in 2022.

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