Zelenskyy’s government shake-up sparks accusations of power consolidation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing significant criticism following a major government reshuffle, the largest since Russia's full-scale invasion.

The move has sparked accusations that Zelenskyy is consolidating power by staffing key positions with loyal allies, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

As Russian forces make advances in eastern Ukraine and Kyiv seeks increased missile support from Western allies, opposition figures are accusing Zelenskyy of using the reshuffle to tighten his grip on power. Despite his party’s majority win in 2019 and the current martial law granting him expanded powers, critics argue that the president has overstepped his authority.

“All the actions of the current authorities speak of the systematic centralization of power by the President and his office,” Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, a lawmaker from the European Solidarity opposition party said. “This flurry of resignations from government officials now speaks to a severe governance crisis in the country.”

Notably, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has resigned, though the reasons remain unclear. Despite his global visibility, Kuleba is said to have been less effective in advancing Kyiv’s relationship with Washington in recent months, according to Zelenskyy’s advisers.

One former top Ukrainian official said Kuleba was likely ousted because of a clash with Zelenskyy’s powerful head of office, Andriy Yermak. “Everyone knew they had conflict. I once even witnessed an episode of it,” the official said.

“Due to his post, Kuleba had well-established direct contacts with [U.S. Secretary of State Antony] Blinken, with [German Foreign Minister Annalena] Baerbock, and many others. Even if he was 300 per cent loyal, the president’s office could not leave such a communication channel in the hands of a person they are not fully sure is their person, if you know what I mean,” the official added. 

Although Zelenskyy relies on his top officials for guidance, Kyiv’s communication with Washington is primarily led by his own office — specifically by Yermak. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is also close with the Biden administration and speaks often with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

Those two men remain in place. Both visited Washington last week, meeting with top officials from the Biden administration. 

The reshuffle aims to revitalize the government by reappointing some ministers to new roles and filling long-vacant positions in infrastructure, culture, agriculture, and veteran affairs. Andriy Sybiha, the current deputy foreign minister, is set to replace Kuleba. Oleksiy Kuleba will become deputy prime minister and minister of infrastructure, while Olga Stefanishyna will take on additional responsibilities as justice minister and deputy prime minister for EU integration. Mykola Tochytskyi will assume the role of minister of culture and information policy.

Oleksandr Kamyshin will go to the president's office, where he will continue to deal with the issue of armaments and infrastructure. Herman Smetanin, current CEO of state arms company Ukroboronprom will replace him as minister for strategic industries.

The reshuffle occurs amid ongoing concerns about corruption and governance in Ukraine. The U.S. has previously encouraged Kyiv to address these issues and incorporate more civil society voices into government.

Despite some unease among Western allies about the perceived favouritism in the new appointments, there has been no official condemnation from the U.S. administration. A senior official suggested there may be concerns but declined to elaborate.

Analysts in Kyiv acknowledge the complexities of the situation, noting that while Zelenskyy’s moves may be controversial, they are seen as necessary in the context of the ongoing war. “Partners understand our situation and recognize that Ukraine will undergo a democratic reboot once the conflict ends and elections are held,” said Volodymyr Fesenko, political analyst of the Ukrainian Penta Center of Political Research.