Latest news with #war
The Independent
13 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Zelenskyy shakes up Ukrainian Cabinet to reinvigorate war effort
A slate of fresh-faced officials is poised to take on top roles in Ukraine's government, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reshuffles the Cabinet in a bid to energize a war-weary nation and boost domestic weapons production in the face of Russia's grinding invasion. At home, however, the Cabinet recalibration has not been seen as a major shift, as the Ukrainian leader continues to rely on officials who have proven their effectiveness and loyalty during the war, now in its fourth year. Zelenskyy submitted nominations on Thursday to reshuffle top government positions, including the replacement of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the longest-serving head of government in Ukraine's history. Draft resolutions were registered in parliament proposing Yuliia Svyrydenko, currently the first deputy prime minister and minister of economy, as the new prime minister, and Shmyhal as defense minister, according to the parliamentary website. Other changes are expected in the Cabinet, but Svyrydenko's nomination as prime minister is taking center stage. She played a key role in negotiating a U.S.–Ukraine mineral agreement, ensuring the terms were acceptable to Kyiv. Svyrydenko has frequently represented Ukraine in high-level talks with Western partners, focusing on defense cooperation, economic recovery and reconstruction. Lawmakers and fellow officials describe her as a diligent executive with a reputation for loyalty to the presidential office. On Tuesday, Zelenskyy posted a photo with Svyrydenko and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, writing that the focus for the next six months would be increasing domestic weapons production, fully contracting all types of drones for Ukraine's defense forces, easing regulations to unlock economic potential, and ensuring delivery of social support programs. Shmyhal announced his resignation on Tuesday. He held the position for more than five years after being appointed on March 4, 2020. Ukrainian analysts and local media have rarely portrayed Shmyhal as an independent political figure or a counterweight to Zelenskyy. Like Svyrydenko, he is seen as loyal to the president and his team. His new post as defense minister means he is not leaving government entirely, but instead remains in the cabinet in a powerful role. The defense ministry commands one of the largest budgets and carries critical importance because of the war. Shmyhal will replace Rustem Umerov, who, although he sought to push reforms, saw his tenure marked by internal turbulence and persistent dysfunction in Ukraine's defense procurement system. Despite his active role on the international stage, critics said the ministry remained plagued by mismanagement.
Associated Press
13 minutes ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
Zelenskyy shakes up Ukrainian Cabinet to reinvigorate war effort
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A slate of fresh-faced officials is poised to take on top roles in Ukraine's government, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reshuffles the Cabinet in a bid to energize a war-weary nation and boost domestic weapons production in the face of Russia's grinding invasion. At home, however, the Cabinet recalibration has not been seen as a major shift, as the Ukrainian leader continues to rely on officials who have proven their effectiveness and loyalty during the war, now in its fourth year. Zelenskyy submitted nominations on Thursday to reshuffle top government positions, including the replacement of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the longest-serving head of government in Ukraine's history. Draft resolutions were registered in parliament proposing Yuliia Svyrydenko, currently the first deputy prime minister and minister of economy, as the new prime minister, and Shmyhal as defense minister, according to the parliamentary website. Other changes are expected in the Cabinet, but Svyrydenko's nomination as prime minister is taking center stage. She played a key role in negotiating a U.S.–Ukraine mineral agreement, ensuring the terms were acceptable to Kyiv. Svyrydenko has frequently represented Ukraine in high-level talks with Western partners, focusing on defense cooperation, economic recovery and reconstruction. Lawmakers and fellow officials describe her as a diligent executive with a reputation for loyalty to the presidential office. On Tuesday, Zelenskyy posted a photo with Svyrydenko and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, writing that the focus for the next six months would be increasing domestic weapons production, fully contracting all types of drones for Ukraine's defense forces, easing regulations to unlock economic potential, and ensuring delivery of social support programs. Shmyhal announced his resignation on Tuesday. He held the position for more than five years after being appointed on March 4, 2020. Ukrainian analysts and local media have rarely portrayed Shmyhal as an independent political figure or a counterweight to Zelenskyy. Like Svyrydenko, he is seen as loyal to the president and his team. His new post as defense minister means he is not leaving government entirely, but instead remains in the cabinet in a powerful role. The defense ministry commands one of the largest budgets and carries critical importance because of the war. Shmyhal will replace Rustem Umerov, who, although he sought to push reforms, saw his tenure marked by internal turbulence and persistent dysfunction in Ukraine's defense procurement system. Despite his active role on the international stage, critics said the ministry remained plagued by mismanagement.
Al Arabiya
14 minutes ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Russia's Medvedev suggests preventative strikes against the West may be needed
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday that the West was practically waging a full-scale war against Russia so Moscow should respond in full, and if necessary launch preventative strikes, state TASS news agency reported. 'We need to act accordingly. Respond in full. And if necessary, launch preventative strikes,' Medvedev was quoted as saying by TASS. Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's powerful Security Council, dismissed statements by Western officials that Russia could attack Europe as complete rubbish. 'Let me remind you that our president has unequivocally stated that Russia has no intention of fighting NATO or 'attacking Europe',' Medvedev said.
Bloomberg
40 minutes ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Ukraine Reshuffles Government With Wartime Economy Struggling
By and Olesia Safronova Save Ukraine is set for the biggest government shake-up since Russia's full-scale invasion as the country faces a pressing need to find more money for its defense following failed diplomatic efforts to end the war. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy nominated Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko as new premier on Monday, citing 'her extensive experience in supporting Ukrainian production.' She also played the key role in brokering a landmark minerals deal with the US earlier this year.
South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Syrian president warns Israel against attempts to drag Syria into war
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Thursday accused Israel of trying to instigate a war and vowed that Syria would not be drawn into the conflict. 'We, the people of Syria, know very well who is trying to drag us into war and who is working to divide us,' Sharaa said in a dawn speech broadcast on national television. 'We will not give them the opportunity to entangle our people in a war that serves only to fragment our homeland and sow destruction.' Sharaa blamed Israel for exploiting instability in the wake of regime change, accusing it of targeting civilian infrastructure and seeking to derail reconstruction efforts. An Israeli fighter aircraft fires a flare above the city of Sweida in Syria on Tuesday. Photo: AFP 'Power alone does not guarantee victory, and igniting a war is not the same as controlling its outcome,' he said. 'We are stronger than any attempt to tear us apart.'
