Zelenskyy Faces Backlash Over Government Reshuffle Amid Power-Grab Allegations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing criticism following a major government reshuffle, which opposition figures have described as an attempt to consolidate power, Politico reports.
The reshuffle, the largest since the start of the war with Russia, has sparked accusations from political rivals, who argue that Zelenskyy is increasingly surrounding himself with loyalists with no end of the conflict in sight.
Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party holds a parliamentary majority, and under martial law, the president has broad authority to reorganize the government. However, opposition members claim he has overstepped. Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, a lawmaker from the European Solidarity party, accused Zelenskyy of centralizing power, pointing to recent resignations as evidence of a governance crisis.
One of the most prominent figures stepping down is Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, whose resignation has fueled speculation of internal conflicts within the government. Sources suggest Kuleba’s departure may be linked to a disagreement with Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s powerful chief of staff. Kuleba’s direct relationships with key Western leaders reportedly contributed to tensions.
Despite the backlash, officials close to Zelenskyy defend the reshuffle, framing it as necessary to bring new energy to a war-weary government. The president emphasized the need to strengthen state institutions and fill key vacancies in sectors such as infrastructure, culture, and agriculture. Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko argued that the reshuffle aims to improve government efficiency during a critical period for Ukraine.
While some analysts and officials see the reshuffle as a practical response to wartime needs, Zelenskyy’s domestic critics remain unconvinced. They have called for a more inclusive government, with a focus on returning to democratic norms even amid the war.
For now, Western allies, including the US, have refrained from openly criticizing the changes. However, some officials have expressed concerns about the concentration of power around Zelenskyy’s office, with observers suggesting that Ukraine’s democratic governance could undergo a “reboot” once the war ends.
