Ukrainian Foreign Minister Resigns

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba resigned on Wednesday, September 4. This resignation comes as a significant blow to the country following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to initiate a government reshuffle. According to Reuters, Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk posted a photo of Kuleba’s resignation letter on social media.

At 43 years old, Kuleba was one of the most recognizable faces of Ukraine to the world, known for his adeptness at negotiating military and political support in clear English with leaders from various countries.

On Tuesday, five other ministers also resigned. The resignations include: Minister of Strategic Industries (Chief of Armaments) Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister of Justice Denys Maliuska, Minister of Environmental Protection Ruslan Strilets, Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, and Irina Vereshchuk. Additionally, the head of Ukraine’s State Property Fund, Vitaly Koval, has resigned. More resignations may be announced soon.

In a statement regarding the government reshuffle, Zelensky said, “Changes in the government are necessary to achieve Ukraine’s goals. The coming autumn is extremely important for us. We need to restructure state institutions to achieve the desired results.”

Zelensky is scheduled to visit the United States later this month and is optimistic about presenting Ukraine’s “victory plan” to U.S. President Joe Biden.

Lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak stated that the resignation letters will be considered by a parliamentary committee, followed by a vote in Parliament. After all formalities, the new appointees may be approved by Thursday.

Zelensky may nominate a new candidate for the position of Foreign Minister on Wednesday. Among the potential candidates, the name of Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is being frequently mentioned.

Opposition lawmaker Irina Herashchenko commented, “This is a government without ministers. There is now an intellectual and personnel crisis in the government. The authorities have shifted their focus away from the problems.”

Since the beginning of this year, at least five ministerial positions have been vacant due to resignations or dismissals, including important positions such as the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Infrastructure.