Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba of Ukraine, a prominent figure in global politics, tendered his resignation on Wednesday in anticipation of a Cabinet shakeup. The decision comes amid escalating tensions, with Russian airstrikes claiming the lives of at least seven individuals in Lviv, marking one of the deadliest assaults since the conflict’s onset.
Kuleba, aged 43, did not provide a specific reason for his departure. The announcement was made by parliamentary Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, who stated that lawmakers will review Kuleba’s resignation during their next session. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had hinted at an impending Cabinet reorganization last week, aiming to fortify the government’s position halfway through the 2½-year-long war.
Throughout the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Kuleba has played a pivotal role in advocating for Ukraine’s interests on the global stage, closely supporting Zelenskyy in disseminating the country’s message. His diplomatic efforts included engaging with foreign officials and utilizing social media platforms to raise awareness. Notably, Kuleba made headlines as the highest-ranking Ukrainian official to visit China amidst Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, holding the position of foreign minister since March 2020.
As part of the upcoming changes in the Cabinet, Davyd Arakhamiia, representing Zelenskyy’s party in parliament, disclosed that over half of the current ministers will be replaced. Resignations are expected on Wednesday, with new appointments scheduled for Thursday.
In a tragic turn of events, recent Russian attacks resulted in casualties in Lviv and Kryvyi Rih. Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi reported seven fatalities and 35 injuries from the strike, while Zelenskyy’s hometown, Kryvyi Rih, also witnessed casualties. Responding to the assaults, Zelenskyy urged Ukraine’s allies to empower Kyiv with enhanced capabilities to utilize Western weaponry against Russian forces.
The airstrikes followed a grim incident in Poltava where over 50 individuals lost their lives and more than 200 sustained injuries after ballistic missiles targeted a military academy and hospital. The assault caused significant structural damage and casualties, prompting condemnation from Ukrainian officials. The strike coincided with Ukrainian forces consolidating their presence in Russia’s Kursk border region, amid ongoing hostilities in eastern Ukraine.
