Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday proposed appointing Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as the country’s new Defence Minister, marking the most significant government reshuffle since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Shmyhal, who has led the government since 2020, oversaw Ukraine’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained in office throughout the ongoing war.
If confirmed, he would replace current Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who is expected to be appointed ambassador to the United States.
The proposed changes come amid growing challenges on the battlefield and an increase in Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities.
In his nightly address, Zelensky said Shmyhal’s experience would be valuable in the defence portfolio but offered no further details.
The president also indicated that Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is likely to succeed Shmyhal as prime minister.
The appointments require parliamentary approval. Ukraine’s legislature has generally backed Zelensky’s wartime decisions and is not expected to oppose the changes.