After the resignation of several ministers, the Verkhovna Rada carried out the largest personnel renewal in the government of Denys Shmyhal during his tenure. As a result of changes in the Cabinet, nine new ministers appeared.
At the beginning of the week, six ministers submitted their resignations. On September 4, the deputies supported the resignations of the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Olga Stefanishyna, the Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamishin, the Minister of Environmental Protection Ruslan Strilets and the Minister of Justice Denys Malyusyka. The next day, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk were dismissed.
Andriy Sybiga is the new Minister of Foreign Affairs
Andrii Sybiga, who previously worked as the deputy head of the President’s Office, was appointed the new Minister of Foreign Affairs. He has significant diplomatic experience, in particular as the ambassador of Ukraine to Turkey (2016-2021). The move is aimed at strengthening the country’s diplomatic efforts.
Olga Stefanishyna was promoted to the position of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice
Olga Stefanishyna, the former vice-prime minister for European integration, has been appointed as the new minister of justice, retaining her responsibility for European integration processes. President Zelenskyy emphasized that her role will be significantly expanded, especially in matters of cooperation with the EU and NATO.
Iryna Vereshchuk received a new role in the Office of the President
Iryna Vereshchuk, who headed the Ministry of Reintegration, will now become the deputy head of the President’s Office. In her new role, she will continue to work on issues of reintegration of temporarily occupied territories.
Oleksiy Kuleba – Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction
Oleksiy Kuleba was appointed Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction and Minister of Community and Territorial Development. Kuleba, who previously worked in the Office of the President, will be responsible for reforming the ministry, which is expected to be split into two separate departments – infrastructure and regional policy.
Vitaly Koval is the new Minister of Agrarian Policy
Vitaly Koval, former head of the Rivne Regional State Administration, was appointed Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. Prior to that, he worked in the banking sector and headed several enterprises in the agricultural, transport and construction sectors.
Mykola Tochytskyi – Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications
Diplomat Mykola Tochytskyi, who previously held the post of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, became the new Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications. Tochytskyi is known for his active work in the field of cultural diplomacy and combating disinformation.
Natalya Kalmykova is the head of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs
Natalya Kalmykova, who has been the deputy minister of defense since September 2023, has been appointed minister of veterans’ affairs. She is known for her activities in the field of supporting veterans, in particular within the framework of the Ukrainian Veterans Fund.
Herman Smetanin is the youngest minister in the Ministry of Strategy and Industry
Herman Smetanin, who will turn 32 in October 2024, became the youngest minister in the government, heading the Ministry of Strategic Industries. Previously, Smetanin managed Ukroboronprom, where he proved himself as an effective manager.
Matviy Bidny and Svitlana Grynchuk are the new heads of the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of the Environment
Matviy Bidny, who has been the Minister of Youth and Sports since 2023, has now officially headed the ministry. Svitlana Grynchuk was appointed Minister of Environmental Protection, where she previously worked as a deputy minister.
