00:00Ukraine's Prime Minister resigns as Zelensky reshuffles Government for War Strategy, KYIV, July 12.
00:07Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmaihal has resigned from his position
00:11as President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a major government reshuffle
00:15aimed at strengthening Ukraine's position in the war against Russia
00:18and enhancing bilateral cooperation with the United States and European partners.
00:24Shmaihal's resignation and new role
00:26Prime Minister Denis Shmaihal stepped down on Sunday, July 12, after serving in the role since July 2025.
00:33The 39-year-old economist played a leading role in securing a mineral agreement between Ukraine and the United States,
00:39which served as a means of tying American interest to Ukraine's security.
00:43In a social media statement, Shmaihal expressed pride in leading the government
00:47during the most difficult period in Ukraine's modern history.
00:51She stated,
00:52I remain ready to serve Ukraine and fulfill any tasks aimed at strengthening Ukraine's position,
00:57protecting our national interests, and bringing a just peace closer.
01:01President Zelensky confirmed that Shmaihal would take on a special role in a new direction of Ukraine's foreign policy,
01:07though details were not immediately provided.
01:10Key appointments and reshuffle
01:12The reshuffle represents the fourth major government reorganization since Russia's full-scale invasion began.
01:18Among the key appointments expected,
01:21Hermann Smetinen, currently Minister of Strategic Industries,
01:24is tipped to become the new Prime Minister.
01:26The 33-year-old has been credited with significantly expanding Ukraine's domestic weapons production,
01:32including long-range drones and missiles.
01:34Yulia Svyridenko, currently first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy,
01:39is expected to remain in her position and may also be appointed Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration.
01:45Ole Kieper, Governor of Odessa Oblast,
01:48is being considered for the position of Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction.
01:54Oleksi Kuleba, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office,
01:58may be appointed as Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration.
02:02Stepan Poltorak, a former Defence Minister,
02:05is being considered for the position of Minister of Internal Affairs.
02:09Reforms and Policy Priorities
02:11The reshuffle comes as Ukraine is significantly expanding the production of its own weapons,
02:17including air defense systems for which it will receive licenses from the United States.
02:22The government is also accelerating Ukraine's EU accession process
02:26and strengthening cooperation with Gulf states.
02:30President Zelenskyy has also announced plans to restructure the leadership
02:33of Ukraine's law enforcement agencies to improve anti-corruption efforts.
02:38Russian attacks continue.
02:42Despite the political changes, Russian forces continued their attacks on Ukrainian territory.
02:47A drone strike on a residential area in Russia's Samara region
02:51killed one person and wounded three others, according to local officials.
02:55Ukrainian forces also struck the Cizron Oil Refinery,
02:59owned by Russian oil giant Rosneft and located approximately 300 kilometers east of the border,
03:05in a series of attacks.
03:07The refinery has been targeted multiple times previously.
03:11Images shared online showed thick black smoke rising from the area.
03:16Meanwhile, Russian forces struck the port of Odessa in southern Ukraine,
03:20though Ukrainian officials did not immediately comment on the Russian claims.
03:24The refinery has been targeted at the U.S.
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