Zelensky appoints Andriy Sibiga as new foreign minister after Kuleba resigns

The former diplomat Andri Sibigawho was deputy head of the office of President Volodymyr Zelensky, was appointed this Thursday as the new country’s foreign minister replacing the outgoing minister, Dmitro KulebaThe appointment, ratified by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament), is part of the largest government reshuffle undertaken by Ukraine since the start of the war.

“We need to print new energy”Zelensky explained. For this reason, in recent days, a dozen members of the Government have left their posts to facilitate this reshuffle, which is taking place at a critical moment for the Ukrainian Army. in the Donbas regionin the east of the country. Kuleba himself, a well-known face abroad and a key player in forging alliances with international partners, announced his departure from the government this week.

Sibiga, a former diplomat, had been proposed for the post by President Zelensky’s party, Sluga Narodu (which translates as Servant of the People). His appointment as the new head of Ukrainian diplomacy It has been endorsed by 258 deputies of the 315 present, according to Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak on his Telegram account.

This is the first of the Government’s changes that has been approved (and with a comfortable majority) by Parliament. The House is expected to approve this Thursday the other proposals of new ministers.

Among the senior officials who could join the new cabinet is the outgoing First Deputy Minister for European Integration, Olga Stefanishinawho could become the new head of Justice. Another of the changes in key portfolios is expected to occur in the Ministry of Strategic IndustriesThis is a key position, as it is responsible for the development of Ukrainian military production.