Zelensky grew 'tired' of his PM, planning to fire him
3 Min Read
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is reportedly tired of his Prime Minister as he plans to fire him from his post, Ukrainian media reports.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a news conference at the Ukraine peace summit in Obbürgen, Switzerland, on June 16, 2024 (AP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is reportedly planning to dismiss Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal due to growing dissatisfaction with his performance, according to sources cited by Ukrainska Pravda on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian leader's frustration with Shmyhal has become increasingly apparent in recent meetings.
"The president is tired of Shmyhal; it’s obvious from his attitude at meetings. He doesn't even listen to him much anymore. It's more of an emotional thing than a miscalculation," a source within Zelensky's office told the newspaper.
The source noted that while Shmyhal has shown growth in recent years, he has not met Zelensky's constant demand for creative solutions and suggestions.
Economic Development Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is being considered as Shmyhal's potential replacement, according to Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinsky. Dubinsky, who is currently in custody under suspicion of treason, claimed on Wednesday via Telegram that Zelensky plans to attend the upcoming NATO summit in Washington with Svyrydenko, presenting her as the future prime minister.
Additionally, Oleksiy Kuleba, the deputy head of Zelensky's office, and Oleksiy Chernyshov, the current head of Naftogaz of Ukraine, are also being considered for ministerial roles, Dubinsky added.
This potential reshuffle follows statements made in April by Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak, who indicated that Zelensky was preparing for a government reshuffle that would see several ministries taking on new roles.
A volatile Kiev
Zelensky has been firing ministers and top officials left and right in what could be a reflection of a lack of trust in his leadership or his entourage. He initiated in May a significant overhaul within the country's special forces, announcing the replacement of Colonel Serhiy Lupanchuk with Brigadier General Oleksandr Trepak as the unit's new commander.
This change revealed through an official memo on the president's website on May 9, marks the second leadership transition in this crucial unit within the span of six months.
While the decrees issued by President Zelensky provided no explicit explanation for Colonel Lupanchuk's dismissal and Brigadier General Trepak's appointment, Trepak's extensive military background could likely have had a hand in this change.
Brigadier General Oleksandr Trepak actively participated in the war in the Donbass region since 2014.
This change in leadership comes amid broader restructuring within the Ukrainian military's chain of command. Since February, Zelensky has implemented several changes at various levels, including the replacement of General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi with then-Ground Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi as the top commander.
Investigative journalist Seymour Hersh revealed that another reason why Zelensky would want Zaluzhny out was due to his alleged involvement in secret talks with Western officials about pursuing a ceasefire with Russia.
Austrian military analyst Tom Cooper explained that Zaluzhny was also criticized for not transforming the Ukrainian military into a Western-style unit, not advancing logistics, and not allowing troops on the frontline to rest.
