Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, tendered his resignation on Wednesday amid an anticipated government reshuffle. This comes as a wave of Russian missile attacks overnight killed at least seven people, including a child.
Kuleba’s Resignation and Cabinet Changes
Dmytro Kuleba, known for his pivotal role in Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts, especially in dealings with foreign officials, has decided to step down ahead of a planned visit by President Zelensky to the United States later this month. Kuleba has been a strong and reliable figure in Zelensky’s administration, making his resignation a significant move in the Ukrainian government.
His resignation follows a string of other high-profile departures, including two vice premiers, three ministers, and several top officials. These resignations are part of a broader government reshuffle that the parliament is expected to approve soon. The parliament has already accepted the resignations of three ministers and one vice premier but rejected the resignations of the head of the State Property Fund and Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk.
Expected Changes and Strategic Importance
The Ukrainian parliament is set to vote on Kuleba’s resignation and consider the appointments of new ministers on Thursday. While President Zelensky has not explicitly explained the reasons for the reshuffle, he emphasized the importance of the coming fall season for Ukraine, suggesting that the changes are intended to strengthen the government’s capacity to meet critical challenges.
The reshuffle occurs at a crucial time for Ukraine, with its military facing increasing pressure on the eastern frontlines, particularly around the strategic city of Pokrovsk. It appears Zelensky wants his new team in place ahead of his trip to the US, where he is expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly and meet with President Joe Biden to present a new four-part “victory plan.”
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political experts, like Mykola Davydiuk, suggest that the reshuffle is not due to any internal disagreements but rather a strategic move by Zelensky to reinvigorate his government. According to Davydiuk, the reshuffle has been considered for some time and may also capitalize on a period when Western allies are preoccupied with their domestic issues.
Davyd Arakhamia, the majority leader of Ukraine’s parliament, confirmed that significant changes to the cabinet are expected this week, with more than half of the staff likely to be replaced. Among the resignations is Oleksandr Kamyshin, the Minister for Strategic Industries, who is anticipated to assume another role in defense.
Escalating Russian Attacks
The reshuffle comes amid continued Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. A major attack struck Lviv, killing seven people, including a 14-year-old girl, and injuring 25 others. Lviv, considered a safer region in Ukraine, was hit despite being far from the Russian border, highlighting the increasing reach and intensity of Russian strikes.
Other cities, like Poltava and Kryvyi Rih, also suffered heavy bombardments, causing numerous casualties and extensive damage. Ukraine’s Air Force reported shooting down 22 attack drones and seven cruise missiles, but power cuts and destruction continue to impact millions of Ukrainians daily.
Concerns Over Nuclear Safety
Meanwhile, concerns are growing over the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, which remains under Russian control. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned that the plant’s situation is “very fragile,” with damage to one of its power supply lines after Russian strikes in the region.
Grossi emphasized the risks associated with a potential power cut at the plant, which could lead to a catastrophic nuclear accident. He underscored the need for international vigilance and support to prevent a disaster.
Ukraine faces a complex and challenging period, with its government undergoing significant changes and Russian missile attacks escalating across the country. As President Zelensky prepares for crucial diplomatic engagements in the US, the world watches closely to see how Ukraine navigates this precarious moment in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
