Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba submitted his resignation on Wednesday, ahead of an anticipated major government reshuffle. Kuleba, 43, did not provide a reason for stepping down, and his resignation will be discussed by lawmakers in the next parliamentary session, according to Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. This move is part of a broader shake-up in the Cabinet, likely to be the largest since Russia's invasion in February 2022.

The resignation comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares for the war to enter a critical stage, with its 1,000-day mark approaching in November. Zelenskyy has indicated the need to maintain national morale and strengthen the country’s resolve as it faces another challenging winter. Russia’s ongoing attacks, including a deadly strike on the western city of Lviv on Wednesday that killed seven people, underscore the relentless nature of the conflict.

The reshuffle will see more than half of the current Cabinet replaced, as confirmed by Davyd Arakhamiia, a leader of Zelenskyy’s party in parliament. New appointments are expected on Thursday, with several ministers already tendering their resignations.

Kuleba has been a key figure in promoting Ukraine's interests internationally during the war, second only to Zelenskyy. His successor, who is expected to be named on Thursday, will likely accompany Zelenskyy to the UN General Assembly in New York next week to continue rallying global support. Reports from Ukrainian media suggest that Kuleba’s deputy, Andrii Sybiha, may be appointed as the new foreign minister.

Meanwhile, the strike on Lviv, a city near the border with NATO member Poland, injured 52 people in addition to the seven fatalities. Russian news agency Tass, citing the Russian Defence Ministry, claimed that the attack targeted defence industry enterprises. However, local officials disputed this, noting that residential areas were also hit, including a home where a mother and her three daughters were killed.

In another development, an attack in Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy’s hometown, injured five people, according to regional head Serhii Lysak.

The attacks come just a day after a devastating missile strike in Poltava, where two ballistic missiles hit a military academy and a nearby hospital, killing 53 people and wounding nearly 300. This attack targeted the Poltava Military Institute of Communication, causing significant destruction.

Kuleba has called for more Western support in light of these continued strikes, urging Ukraine's partners to promptly deliver promised air defence systems and allow Ukraine to launch long-range strikes on legitimate military targets in Russia. Zelenskyy echoed these calls, urging allies to provide more range for Western weapons to counter Russian aggression.

As the conflict grinds on, Zelenskyy is not only managing the ongoing military situation but also navigating significant political changes within his government, all while striving to maintain international support. On Tuesday, Ukraine's Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin, Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, and the ministers of justice, environment, and reintegration resigned, leaving over a third of the Cabinet vacant ahead of this major government shake-up.

Image source: Reuters