KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – In an effort to bolster his administration as the war against Russia enters what could be a pivotal phase, Ukraine’s parliament approved the appointment of Andrii Sybiha as the new foreign minister on Thursday. Sybiha, a former ambassador to Turkey, will replace Dmytro Kuleba who gained prominence internationally as he lobbied and pleaded with Western countries to support Ukraine’s war effort.
The 49-year-old has been working as Kuleba’s deputy since April. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking to replace almost a dozen top officials in his biggest government shake-up since Russia’s full-scale invasion started on Feb. 24, 2022. Other changes include the heads of strategic industries, justice, natural resources and farming. Parliament’s approval is required for these changes, with Ukrainian lawmakers Yaroslav Zhelezniak and Oleksii Honcharenko confirming the vote to The Associated Press.
Zelenskyy explained on Wednesday that Ukraine needs “new energy.” With the war nearing its 900th day, a likely harsh winter looms ahead, posing a significant test of the country’s resolve. Ukraine’s power grid is under immense pressure as Russian missiles and drones have knocked out around 70% of the country’s generation capacity. This could result in residents being without heat or water during the winter months.
On the battlefield, Ukraine awaits to see if its gamble with a surprise thrust into Russia’s Kursk border region a month ago will yield positive results. While Ukrainian soldiers are pushed back by Russia’s ongoing drive deeper into eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian civilians remain vulnerable to Russia’s deadly long-range aerial strikes. The casualty list from a Russian missile strike on Tuesday on a military training school in the Ukrainian city of Poltava has grown to 55 dead and 328 wounded, with search and rescue operations continuing, according to Ukraine’s Interior Ministry.
No major policy changes are expected under the new administration, as Zelenskyy’s five-year mandate expired in May but he continues in power under martial law, with his leadership remaining largely unchallenged. Sybiha, who also previously worked in the president’s office, takes on the role of foreign minister as Ukraine seeks to prevent war fatigue from eroding the West’s commitment. Kyiv officials will have to navigate the potential policy shifts following the U.S. election in November, which could result in important changes in Washington.
Currently, Ukraine’s wish list includes more Western air defense systems and permission from its Western partners to use their weapons to hit targets on Russian soil. Some Western leaders are hesitant to grant this request, fearing escalation that could draw them into the conflict. Top U.S. military leaders, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will meet in Germany on Friday to discuss these issues with European allies.
Zelenskyy has not shied away from making major decisions that may risk alienating senior officials and confusing the public. In February, he replaced his top general in a shake-up aimed at reigniting battlefield momentum, and the then defense minister Oleksii Reznikov resigned a year ago after Zelenskyy announced that he would be replaced and named his successor.