On Monday, July 14, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to take over as the country’s new Defence Minister.
The announcement came during Zelensky’s nightly video address, where he outlined the need for experienced leadership in Ukraine’s defence sector amid ongoing conflict and national security challenges.
President Zelensky pointed to Shmyhal’s leadership background and wide-ranging government experience as key reasons for the nomination.
He described the Defence Ministry as a critical part of the government that currently carries some of the nation’s most pressing responsibilities, requiring full commitment and effective coordination of all available resources.
This change is part of a broader government reshuffle. Alongside Shmyhal’s proposed shift to the Defence Ministry, Zelensky also named First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko as his choice for the new Prime Minister.
Both proposals have been submitted to parliament, where the president is seeking formal approval to move forward with the restructuring.
The nominations come at a crucial time for Ukraine, as the war with Russia continues and the government works to adapt its leadership to meet the demands of wartime governance.
The Defence Ministry plays a key role in coordinating military operations, logistics, and support to Ukraine’s armed forces, making this appointment particularly significant.
Shmyhal has served as Prime Minister since March 2020 and is considered a close ally of Zelensky.
Svyrydenko, also a longtime member of the administration, has been involved in overseeing Ukraine’s economic and social strategies during the war.
Parliament is expected to review the nominations in the coming days, as Ukraine’s leadership aims to strengthen its executive team in response to growing military and political pressures.