Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has submitted his resignation, the country’s parliamentary speaker announced Wednesday, marking the latest major change in Kyiv’s leadership amid the largest government shake-up since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Kuleba tendered his resignation on Wednesday, following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s announcement of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle.
The resignation request would be discussed by lawmakers at the next plenary meeting, according to Speaker of parliament Russian Stefanchuk.
Kuleba’s resignation comes as Ukraine faces ongoing attacks from Russia. The reorganization of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s wartime administration comes at a critical moment for Ukraine, as Russian forces push forward in the east and unleash a new wave of attacks on cities.
Overnight into Wednesday, seven people were killed by strikes in the western city of Lviv, which is normally far from the fighting and attacked less frequently than others.
A child and a medical worker were among the dead, with others in critical condition.
“This is a barbaric attack on our people,” said Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, describing the strike on Poltava Military Institute of Communication, which killed over 50 people and wounded over 200 others.
The attack on Poltava, located 350 kilometers southeast of Kyiv, occurred as Ukrainian forces seek to expand their holdings in Russia’s Kursk border region. The Russian army continues to advance in eastern Ukraine.
“We will not be intimidated by these attacks,” said President Zelenskyy. “We will continue to fight for our freedom and sovereignty.”
The resignation of Foreign Minister Kuleba has sparked concerns about the impact on Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts. However, the government remains committed to its goals.
“We will continue to work towards a peaceful resolution, but we will not compromise on our values and principles,” said a government spokesperson.
