Photo: Denys Shmyhal/Telegram
However, he will not leave the government, as Shmyhal is expected to receive a new appointment.
On January 13, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, following a submission by President Volodymyr Zelensky, dismissed Denys Shmyhal from the post of Minister of Defense. The decision was supported by 265 deputies.
Shmyhal had held the position of Defense Minister for only six months, having been appointed in July 2025 after a reshuffle in the Cabinet.
During his speech in parliament before his dismissal, he noted that his team had worked on improving the ministry’s systemic operations, building defensive lines, and increasing financial support for the military.
He also urged deputies at upcoming sessions to support a bill initiated under his leadership concerning service terms and new contracts in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Lawmakers praised Shmyhal’s work in the Ministry of Defense, even noting that “this is the first time a minister is being dismissed for no reason.”
At the same time, Shmyhal will continue his work in government, as on January 3 President Zelensky proposed him for the post of Minister of Energy.
