President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has overhauled Ukraine’s top leadership, dismissing Defense Minister Rustem Fedorov and accepting the resignation of the Prime Minister. To stabilize the government, Zelenskyy identified the head of Naftogaz as the best candidate to lead the cabinet, according to reports from 15min.lt and Delfi.
Zelenskyy Replaces Defense Minister Amid Military Friction
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defense Minister Rustem Fedorov from his post. According to Lrytas, the decision was influenced by an ongoing conflict between the minister and the leadership of the armed forces. LRT confirmed the dismissal.
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Prime Minister Resigns as Cabinet Shifts
Ukraine’s Prime Minister has stepped down from her position, as reported by tv3.lt. This resignation coincides with the broader shake-up of the executive branch.

Naftogaz Chief Positioned as Top Choice for Prime Minister
President Zelenskyy has explicitly named the head of Naftogaz as the most prepared candidate to take over as Prime Minister. Both 15min.lt and Delfi report that the President views the energy leader’s qualifications as the strongest fit for the current needs of the state.
Comparison of Leadership Changes
| Position | Status | Reported Reason/Successor |
|---|---|---|
| Defense Minister | Dismissed | Conflict with military leadership (Lrytas) |
| Prime Minister | Resigned | Naftogaz head named as top candidate (Delfi) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Ukrainian Defense Minister dismissed?
According to Lrytas, the dismissal of Rustem Fedorov was driven by conflicts with the military leadership.
Who is the likely new Prime Minister of Ukraine?
President Zelenskyy has stated that the head of Naftogaz is the best candidate for the role, per reports from 15min.lt and Delfi.
Did the Prime Minister leave voluntarily?
Yes, tv3.lt reports that the Prime Minister resigned from her position.
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