Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has justified his choice of a new prime minister, Denys Shmyhal, as part of efforts to prepare the country for the upcoming winter amid the ongoing war with Russia. Zelensky made the remarks during a press conference on July 17, 2026, emphasizing the need for a government focused on energy security and infrastructure resilience.
Shmyhal, who previously served as deputy prime minister, was appointed to replace the outgoing premier. Zelensky stated that the new government's priority would be to ensure heating and electricity supplies for millions of Ukrainians facing potential Russian attacks on energy grids, similar to those seen in previous winters.
The announcement comes as Ukraine continues to face challenges from Russian missile strikes on critical infrastructure. Zelensky highlighted that Shmyhal's experience in economic and regional development would be crucial for coordinating international aid and domestic resources to mitigate the impact of winter.
