Ukraine appoints ‘intellectual’ Andrii Sybiha as foreign minister in reshuffle

Ukrainian lawmakers have officially appointed Andrii Sybiha as the country’s new foreign minister during a significant government reshuffle announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This change comes as Ukraine prepares for what officials describe as an “extremely important” fall.

Sybiha, selected by Zelenskyy to succeed Dmytro Kuleba, has previously played a crucial role in Ukraine’s diplomatic initiatives since Kuleba took office in 2020, especially during the ongoing conflict with Russia that escalated in February 2022.

David Arakhamia, leader of the Servant of the People Party and a key figure in the Ukrainian parliament, indicated on Telegram that Sybiha was a strong candidate for the position. Following his nomination, Sybiha received confirmation during a parliamentary vote, garnering support from 258 out of 401 lawmakers, with 315 lawmakers present for the session. He was officially sworn in soon after the vote.

At 49 years old, Sybiha brings significant diplomatic experience to his new role. He served as Ukraine’s senior envoy to Turkey from 2016 to 2021 and held various positions at the nation’s embassy in Poland. Sybiha transitioned to the presidential office in 2021, where he worked under the influential administration chief, Andriy Yermak, before being appointed as the first deputy foreign minister earlier this year.

Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of parliament from Zelenskyy’s party and chair of the foreign affairs committee, praised Sybiha as a “well-known, experienced diplomat” with extensive credentials. He noted Sybiha’s close relationship with President Zelenskyy as an asset, suggesting it may facilitate better cooperation between the presidency and the foreign ministry, particularly given the high-stakes environment surrounding Ukraine’s foreign relations.

“Since the first days of the full-scale invasion, Sybiha was with the president, involved in all important negotiations, and has earned the trust and respect of the president due to his professionalism,” Merezhko said. This deep-rooted relationship could prove beneficial as Ukraine navigates complex diplomatic waters.

Sybiha is described as both a “thinker” and an “intellectual” by colleagues, known for his willingness to make tough calls, even under pressure that could potentially affect his popularity. Ukrainian lawmaker Bohan Yaremenko, also a member of the foreign affairs committee, echoed these sentiments, labeling the new minister as “tough, experienced, and professional.” He pointed out that Sybiha possesses a markedly different public profile compared to his predecessor.

Yaremenko emphasized Sybiha’s unique advantages, noting, “He spent two years next to the president, so he knows more than anyone else about the most recent negotiations with all important partners.” This insight into Ukraine’s current diplomatic context will be crucial as the nation seeks to strengthen its alliances and responses to ongoing challenges.

In a statement on Wednesday, President Zelenskyy remarked on the need for “new energy” in the country’s approach, indicating that the recent changes in government are vital for enhancing Ukraine’s resilience and effectiveness across various sectors. “Autumn will be extremely important for Ukraine,” he noted, stressing the importance of optimizing state institutions to achieve essential goals that resonate with the needs of the country.

With the backdrop of an ongoing conflict and looming challenges, this reshuffle symbolizes Ukraine’s commitment to reevaluate and reinforce its strategies in diplomatic engagements, particularly as the fall season approaches.