Ukrainian politician and public official in a shifting government
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has carried out a surprise cabinet reshuffle that has removed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, nominated Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister and named SBU head Yevhenii Khmara as acting defence minister. The moves have provoked mass protests in Kyiv and other cities, prompted at least one senior military resignation and raised questions about unity in Kyiv’s war effort.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi as Ukraine’s commander-in-chief after mass protests over the dismissal of reform-minded ex-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Drapatyi, 43, is being welcomed as a moderniser; Fedorov has refused offered alternatives and his supporters are continuing street demonstrations while Russia keeps striking Ukrainian cities.
Poland has revoked President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle after he has signed a decree naming a Ukrainian special forces unit for the World War II Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Ukrainian officials have returned Polish honours and Poland and Ukraine are urging calm ahead of a major Ukraine reconstruction conference in Gdańsk.
Ukraine has announced a cabinet reshuffle after Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has resigned, saying Ukraine is changing its political strategy. Zelenskyy says the changes aim to implement an updated foreign policy focus, with new leadership in key ministries and law-enforcement heads.
Ukraine’s president has announced a cabinet change and indicates a broader political strategy shift. Svyrydenko is stepping down, with potential replacements including Koretskyi or Shmyhal. The leadership change follows a wave of reforms and external pressure as Kyiv reorients its political approach and diplomacy.
Across Paris, Bastille Day preparations unfold as leaders from Europe gather to show unity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The parade will include thousands of troops, with the Coalition of the Willing presenting a show of support. France also confronts a third heatwave, prompting some restrictions on fireworks and public events.
Since late July, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged large-scale missile and drone strikes that have killed civilians on both sides, hit cities from Kyiv to Zaporizhzhia and reached deep into Russia. Kyiv has struck logistics hubs and Wildberries warehouses; a Russian cruise-missile attack on a grain ship leaving Odesa has killed foreign crew and prompted diplomatic protests.
The Ukrainian government is undergoing a leadership shake-up as President Zelenskyy pursues a broader political strategy. Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko has been replaced or is expected to be replaced, with Sergii Koretskyi widely seen as the leading candidate. The cabinet will resign as part of the process, triggering a wider reshuffle.
Ukrainian forces have targeted logistics hubs and oil facilities in Russia, while Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities including Kyiv and Odesa. Officials report casualties and disruptions as both sides escalate attacks and sanctions intensify.