Ukraine PM Resigns as Zelenskyy Signals Major Government Reshuffle

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko resigned on Sunday, July 12, 2026, following an announcement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of forthcoming changes to the government. The resignation comes amid a shift in political strategy, according to the president.

In a social media statement, Svyrydenko expressed pride in leading the government during a challenging period in Ukraine's modern history. She stated she had discussed next steps with Zelenskyy but did not provide specifics. 'I remain ready to serve the Ukrainian state and carry out every task aimed at strengthening Ukraine's position, defending our national interests and bringing a just peace closer,' she said.

Svyrydenko, who previously served as Economy Minister, was appointed Prime Minister in July 2025 at age 39 after playing a key role in securing a mineral agreement between Ukraine and the United States. The agreement was seen as a way to tie U.S. interests to Ukraine's security.

President Zelenskyy announced her resignation in a post stating that Ukraine is changing its political strategy. He also offered Svyrydenko the opportunity to lead a new, important area in Ukraine's relations with a key international partner. 'Each priority area of foreign policy will be assigned to a specific person with substantial experience who is capable of implementing what we agree on at the leaders' level and what the Ukrainian people expect,' Zelenskyy said, indicating further changes among top ranks of law enforcement agencies.

Separately, Ukraine continued strikes against Russian oil facilities. In southwest Russia, an attack killed one person and wounded three others, including a child, according to local officials. The strike targeted the Syzran Oil Refinery in the Samara region, owned by Rosneft. Russian media shared images of black smoke over the site. The refinery, located about 800 kilometres east of the border, has been a repeated target for Ukrainian forces.

In the Rostov region, a drone attack damaged an empty tanker in the Azov-Black Sea maritime canal, with no oil spill threat, said Governor Yuri Slyusar. Ukraine's drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure have contributed to fuel shortages and rationing in multiple regions. Moscow has intensified its bombardment of Kyiv and other cities in response.

President Zelenskyy has described the strikes as part of a campaign of 'long-range sanctions' in response to Russia's refusal to halt its invasion, now in its fourth year. Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Defence claimed on Sunday that it attacked the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk. Ukrainian officials have not commented on these claims.