J.Svyrydenko confirmed on Sunday that she is resigning, less than a year after her appointment, and V.Zelenskis announced major government reshuffles, which he described as a “renewal” of his leadership team to align it with an “updated political strategy.”
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An official successor has not yet been appointed, but on Sunday V.Zelenskis held separate meetings with Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, and CEO of the Ukrainian state oil and gas company “Naftogaz” Serhiy Korets.
Korets – currently the most relevant figure in the energy sector
S.Korets has been leading the important state company “Naftogaz” since 2025, and previously headed “Ukrnafta” – Ukraine’s largest oil producer. Some reports say he is the main candidate for the prime minister post, according to “TVP World.”
The 48-year-old man has worked in the energy sector for more than two decades and has experience in oil extraction, refining, retail, and corporate management. Unlike other mentioned candidates, he has little experience in national politics.
His prominence grew when Russia intensified attacks on energy facilities. “Naftogaz” reported in May that since the beginning of 2026, its facilities had been attacked 96 times.
Meeting with him on Sunday, V.Zelenskis praised S.Korets’s “effective leadership” of “Naftogaz” and “Ukrnafta,” saying both companies “achieved the planned national performance indicators,” while defending Ukraine’s national interests “in a very complex sector where many interests intersect.”
Fedorov – a tech-savvy insider
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is one of the longest-standing political allies of V.Zelenskis, known for his work in digital governance, drones, and military technologies, notes “TVP World.”
M.Fedorov joined the government in 2019 as Minister of Digital Transformation. After Russia’s large-scale invasion, he became increasingly involved in drone procurement, battlefield technologies, and cooperation between the military and Ukraine’s growing defense technology sector.
V.Zelenskis said M.Fedorov reported on tasks already completed in the defense sector and what further organizational changes and agreements with foreign partners are needed.
Shmyhal – a familiar face
Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal is J.Svyrydenko’s direct predecessor and served as prime minister for more than five years, making him the longest-serving head of the Ukrainian government since independence.
The 50-year-old politician became prime minister in March 2020 and remained in the post during the COVID-19 pandemic and the first three years after Russia’s large-scale invasion.
In July 2025, he submitted his resignation as part of a broad government reshuffle initiated by V.Zelenskis and was assigned other high-ranking positions in the cabinet. At that time, V.Zelenskis said the reshuffle aimed to strengthen Ukraine’s economic and military governance during the war.
Terekhov – mayor at the frontline
59-year-old Ihor Terekhov has been mayor of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, since 2021 and led the city through some of the longest Russian bombardments during the war.
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Kharkiv is close to the Russian border and has repeatedly been targeted by missiles, drones, and guided bombs. I.Terekhov led emergency rescue operations, repairs of damaged buildings, and efforts to ensure electricity, heating, and public transport services.
Unlike some other potential candidates, he has not held high positions in the national government. His experience is more shaped by managing a large frontline city under daily military pressure.
After the meeting, V.Zelenskis said the challenges facing Kharkiv are “extremely serious” and praised the city’s services for their quick response, stating that “Kharkiv residents are receiving the help they need.”
Klymenko – head of Ukraine’s police
53-year-old Ihor Klymenko made an impressive career in law enforcement before entering politics and became the highest-ranking general in Ukraine’s police, reports “TVP World.”
In 2023, he was appointed head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and now leads Ukraine’s national police, National Guard, State Border Guard Service, and State Emergency Service.
These services play a key role in responding to Russian attacks, rescuing civilians, protecting critical infrastructure, and ensuring security across the country.
At Sunday’s meeting, V.Zelenskis thanked I.Klymenko and the Ministry of Internal Affairs staff who “truly work around the clock” to protect Ukraine and its people.
What awaits Svyrydenko next?
39-year-old J.Svyrydenko was appointed prime minister in July 2025, having previously served as first deputy prime minister and minister of economy.
Considered one of V.Zelenskis’s most trusted economic officials, she played a key role in negotiations for a historic agreement with the United States on mineral resources, which helped restore relations with Washington after a public dispute between V.Zelenskis and U.S. President Donald Trump.
She also led the government through a winter marked by intense Russian attacks on Ukraine’s electricity, heating, and gas infrastructure.
V.Zelenskis praised her “clear, consistent, and effective work as prime minister” and said he offered her “the opportunity to lead a new and important area of relations with a key partner.”
He did not specify the position, but reports indicate that J.Svyrydenko is likely to become Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States.
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