In a sweeping reshuffle, six top Ukrainian officials, including cabinet ministers and a presidential aide, resigned on Tuesday, September 3, as President Volodymyr Zelensky seeks to restore faith in his government amid the ongoing Kursk offensive against Russia. Zelensky is preparing to present a “victory plan” in Washington next month, as part of efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defense strategy.
In a dramatic turn of events, Ukraine’s political landscape saw significant shifts as President Volodymyr Zelensky initiated a major government reshuffle, with at least six high-ranking officials tendering their resignation on Tuesday, September 3. The restructuring comes during the ongoing Kursk offensive against Russian forces, as Zelensky aims to bolster public trust and strengthen Ukraine’s war effort.
On Tuesday, September 3, Ukraine witnessed a major political reshuffle as six top officials, including cabinet ministers and a key presidential aide, resigned. This development occurs amidst Ukraine’s ongoing Kursk offensive against Russia, with President Volodymyr Zelensky aiming to instill confidence in his administration. Among those who stepped down were Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Strategic Industries Minister Alexander Kamyshin, Justice Minister Denys Maliuska, and Environmental Protection Minister Ruslan Strilets. Deputy Prime Ministers Olha Stefanishyna and Iryna Vereshchuk also submitted their resignations, along with Rostyslav Shurma, a top presidential aide.
David Arakhamia, head of the ruling Servant of the People party’s parliamentary faction, confirmed the reshuffle in a statement on Telegram. “As promised, a major government reset can be expected this week. More than 50 percent of the Cabinet of Ministers’ staff will be changed,” Arakhamia announced. He also hinted that appointments would follow soon after, stating, “Tomorrow we will have a day of dismissals, and the day after that a day of appointments.”
President Zelensky, in his nightly address, stressed the need for governmental reform to achieve Ukraine’s strategic goals. He indicated that changes would not only affect the Cabinet but would also extend to the president’s office. “State institutions need to be configured so that Ukraine achieves all the results that we need. For this, we must strengthen some areas of the government, and changes in its make-up have been prepared,” Zelensky said.
Amidst the political upheaval, Ukraine was struck by a major Russian attack on the city of Poltava, which left 51 people dead. Zelensky vowed retribution for the strike and called on Western nations to increase defense aid. U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the attack, calling it “deplorable” and pledged continued military support, including air defense systems to bolster Ukraine’s efforts.
