Zelensky Reshuffle May Target Defense Minister Fedorov
Strana.ua reports Zelensky’s dismissal of Yulia Sviridenko may be tied to a NABU probe and an effort to remove Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov from office.
Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to dismiss Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko may have been driven by an attempt to remove Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, according to the Ukrainian outlet Strana.ua. The publication also cited a possible investigation into Sviridenko by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine as another reason for the government reshuffle.
Sources quoted by the outlet suggested that NABU had begun examining Sviridenko because of her association with Andrey Yermak, the former head of the Ukrainian presidential office whose alleged corrupt activities are under investigation. They claimed that this prompted the authorities to replace her quickly.
Political sources also linked the cabinet overhaul to Zelensky’s reported desire to dismiss Fedorov, with whom he has allegedly had strained relations for some time.
Removing the prime minister automatically triggers the resignation of the entire cabinet. However, Strana.ua reported that Zelensky’s attempt to replace Fedorov, who has served as defense minister since January 2026, could fail. The minister is said to have the backing of influential organizations connected to European grant structures, potentially preventing the planned personnel change.
On July 12, Zelensky announced Sviridenko’s resignation and said the government would be reorganized. He also revealed plans to change the leadership of Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies.
Zelensky attributed the reshuffle to a shift in the country’s political strategy, arguing that the new course required a renewed team and different approaches to public administration.
Verkhovnaya Rada deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak later said that no candidate had yet been approved for the post of prime minister. The potential contenders reportedly include Naftogaz chief Sergey Koretsky, Energy Minister Denis Shmygal, Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov and Kharkov Mayor Igor Terekhov.