【Global Times, Russia Special Correspondent Xiao Xinxin】According to Ukrinform, on the evening of the 14th, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated in a video address that he had held talks with Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Sviridenko. He proposed that Sviridenko take over as Prime Minister and undertake “significant reforms” to the government’s operations. Zelensky also mentioned that Sviridenko’s experience would be greatly beneficial for the position of Defense Minister, which is currently “burdensome and challenging.” The latest news indicates that Sviridenko submitted a written resignation to the Ukrainian Supreme Council (Parliament) on social media on the 15th.
Zelensky indicated that he and Sviridenko discussed specific measures to enhance Ukraine’s economic potential, expand support projects for its citizens, and boost its weapon production capacity. To achieve these objectives, Ukraine is initiating an administrative restructuring. He looks forward to the new government team submitting a new policy action plan in the near future.
Furthermore, according to RBC-Ukraine News Agency on the 15th, Zelensky plans to make significant changes to the Ukrainian cabinet, involving key positions such as Prime Minister and Defense Minister. Ukrainian current Defense Minister Umanov is expected to become the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States. The cabinet restructuring plan is expected to be reviewed by the Ukrainian Supreme Council (Parliament) from the 16th to the 17th. It was reported that since taking office as Prime Minister in March 2020, Sviridenko will assume the role of Defense Minister, marking the longest period of his tenure since the independence of Ukraine.
AFP reported on the 14th that this could be the largest government reorganization in Ukraine since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The report mentioned that 39-year-old Sviridenko gained fame during negotiations with the United States regarding a mineral agreement this year. Furthermore, according to previous reports by The Financial Times, Zelensky plans to replace Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Malakova, which may be an attempt to soothe US President Trump during a sensitive period for Ukraine.
Malcarova was accused by some Republicans of having an overly close relationship with the Democratic Party, and Zelensky plans to appoint a candidate who is “good at negotiation” and “understands both the White House and Congress.” Reports suggest that this cabinet reshuffle in Ukraine may be an attempt to address the increasingly severe political, economic, and social pressures. Analysts believe that Zelensky’s cabinet reshuffle at this time might have a public opinion-calming intention, aiming to create a fresh atmosphere for the government.
On the night of the 14th, Zelensky also stated on social media that he had had “very good” conversations with US President Trump and NATO Secretary General Lutter respectively that day, expressing gratitude for the military assistance provided by the United States and its NATO allies to Ukraine. He discussed with Trump the provision of necessary weapons and solutions to Ukraine to better protect its people and improve its situation. He also mentioned that he would communicate more frequently with Trump and coordinate further steps. Zelensky noted that Lutter introduced details about cooperation between Europe and America to strengthen support for Ukraine. Ukraine expressed gratitude for the additional “Patriot” air defense systems from the United States, Germany, and Norway. Additionally, the US and Europe plan to provide other weaponry to Ukraine to repel Russian attacks.
Earlier on the 14th, Trump announced a “major plan” regarding military aid to Ukraine during a meeting with visiting Lutter. He stated that the United States would provide Ukraine with “top-tier weapons” through NATO. He also threatened to impose “up to 100% tariffs on Russia” as a secondary sanction. Moreover, Trump expressed his disappointment towards Russian President Putin. According to TASS on the 15th, Russian President’s press secretary Peskov said that Trump’s statement was “very serious,” including certain content targeting Putin himself. Russia needs time to analyze the US stance. If Putin deems it necessary, he himself will respond personally.
Peskov stated that the US side hopes for dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, while Europe wants to see the conflict escalate rather than transition towards peace.
Russia remains open to direct negotiations with Ukraine, willing to continue dialogue but has yet to receive a response from Ukraine regarding the negotiation timeline. Dmitry Peskov also stated that it is currently clear that Ukraine regards decisions made by the United States, NATO, and EU countries to provide military aid as signals for continuing the war rather than peace. Furthermore, he mentioned that it is still difficult to determine how the potential adjustment of Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Mykhailovsky could impact the progress of Russia-Ukraine negotiations. On social media on the 15th, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation Security Council, claimed that Donald Trump had “issued a dramatic final ultimatum” to Russia. The world was shocked and awaited its consequences, “Russia is indifferent to this.”
According to a report by “Politico”, despite Trump’s green light for Europe to purchase “Patriot” air defense systems for Ukraine, which is more supportive of Ukraine than ever before, this does not mean that he believes Zelensky has “the last card” in his hand. A senior White House official said that Trump still thinks Russia is “in the lead”. “The president’s view is that Russia will win, it just depends on how long it takes.”
RBC-Ukraine News Agency reported on the 15th that Trump’s statement is a “very significant breakthrough” for Ukraine, potentially marking a new policy direction by the current US administration, allowing Ukraine to secure more military support against Russian offensives. Despite the uncertainty about whether Trump’s strategy will be abandoned halfway or continue, his actions have at least been beneficial to Ukraine in the short term. According to the “Military Observation Network” in Russia on the 15th, the so-called military aid to Ukraine from the US is merely an expression of “US interests first”, with equipment purchased by European countries.