Ukraine PM Yulia Svyrydenko Resigns as Zelenskyy Announces Major Government Reshuffle

New Delhi, July 13: Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has resigned from her post as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a major restructuring of the country’s government and hinted at a shift in Ukraine’s political strategy.

Svyrydenko confirmed her resignation through a social media statement, saying she was honoured to have led the government during one of the most challenging periods in Ukraine’s modern history. She said she had discussed future responsibilities with President Zelenskyy but did not reveal specific details about her next role.

“I remain ready to serve the Ukrainian state and fulfil every task aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position, protecting national interests and moving closer towards a just peace,” she said.

Zelenskyy Announces New Political Direction

President Zelenskyy said Ukraine was entering a new phase and required changes in its political approach. Announcing the reshuffle, he said Svyrydenko had been offered the opportunity to take charge of a new strategic area related to Ukraine’s cooperation with an important international partner.

The Ukrainian president said each major foreign policy priority would now be assigned to officials with relevant experience and the ability to implement decisions agreed upon at the leadership level.

He also indicated that changes would be made within Ukraine’s senior law enforcement structure as part of the broader government reorganisation.

Svyrydenko’s Brief Tenure as Prime Minister

Svyrydenko, who previously served as Ukraine’s economy minister, became prime minister in July 2025 at the age of 39. She gained international attention for her role in negotiating a minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States, a deal viewed by Kyiv as an important step towards strengthening strategic ties with Washington.

Her appointment came during a critical period as Ukraine continued managing the economic and security challenges created by Russia’s military campaign.

Ukraine Continues Attacks on Russian Energy Infrastructure

While Kyiv undergoes political changes, the war with Russia continues to intensify. Ukrainian forces carried out further attacks on Russian energy facilities, including oil infrastructure, as part of efforts to weaken Moscow’s war capabilities.

Officials in Russia’s Samara region said a Ukrainian strike killed one person and injured three others. Regional Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said residential buildings and an industrial facility were damaged in the attack.

Russian media reports claimed the targeted site was the Syzran Oil Refinery, operated by energy giant Rosneft. The facility, located hundreds of kilometres from Ukraine’s border, has reportedly been targeted multiple times during the conflict.

Drone Attacks Damage Russian Maritime Assets

Separately, officials in Russia’s Rostov region reported that a tanker was damaged in a drone strike near the Azov-Black Sea maritime canal.

Governor Yuri Slyusar said the vessel was empty at the time of the attack and there was no immediate danger of an oil spill.

The latest incidents are part of Ukraine’s broader campaign targeting Russian energy and logistics infrastructure, which Kyiv describes as a response to Moscow’s continued military operations.

Fuel Crisis Deepens Across Russia

Ukraine’s repeated drone strikes on oil refineries and energy facilities have contributed to fuel supply disruptions in several Russian regions. Reports have indicated shortages of gasoline, restrictions on purchases and longer waiting times at fuel stations.

Moscow has responded by increasing missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, highlighting the continued escalation between the two sides.

President Zelenskyy has described Ukraine’s strikes against Russian energy assets as a form of “long-range sanctions”, arguing that they are aimed at pressuring Moscow to end the war.

Russia Claims Attacks on Ukrainian Ports

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces conducted attacks on the Ukrainian ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk in the Odesa region.

Ukrainian authorities have not immediately confirmed or commented on the Russian claims.

The latest developments come as both countries continue military operations while facing growing diplomatic and economic pressure. Ukraine’s government reshuffle reflects Kyiv’s attempt to strengthen leadership structures as the war enters another critical phase.