Zelenskyy says Ukraine prepared for Russia's plans and outlines two winter scenarios
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine had known about Russia's plans months before the government reshuffle, which is why the decision was made to replace the Cabinet of Ministers, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a press conference.
Putin's plans: Two possible paths
According to Zelenskyy, there are differing views within Putin's inner circle on whether to continue the war.
"We see that there are indeed people around Putin who want to end the war. They see the economic collapse and the collapse of logistics. But there are also military figures who want to expand the war and announce mobilization. That is why we need to prepare for the winter and for the plans they may pursue during that period. This was one of the key factors that guided my choice of prime minister," the president said.
Why the focus is on logistics and energy
Zelenskyy said intelligence about Russia's intentions had shaped the new government's priorities even before the Cabinet reshuffle.
"We saw Russia's plans several months ago, which is why we decided to focus on these areas. That is why logistics, our grain exports, agriculture, and energy are critically important, along with broader resilience plans," he said.
Dissatisfaction with the pace of work
The president acknowledged that the implementation of Ukraine's resilience plans is currently behind schedule.
"To be honest, I am not fully satisfied yet. As you can see, the percentage of completed work is not where it should be. We need to move much faster. I think this is the most important task for the new infrastructure minister," Zelenskyy added.
Two possible scenarios for the winter
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine faces two possible paths this winter: peace talks or a further escalation of the war.
"We have two possible scenarios this winter. The first is that, God willing, our army will have the strength it needs, because resilience on the frontline is critically important, allowing us to sit down with Russia at the negotiating table and end this war. That is the priority and where I am focused. We understand who we are dealing with. The alternative Russia is always looking for is war and increased mobilization," the president said.
Major government reshuffle
On July 14, Yulia Svyrydenko submitted her resignation as prime minister, and the Verkhovna Rada approved it the same day.
Two days later, on July 16, parliament appointed Serhii Koretskyi as the new prime minister and subsequently approved the rest of the reshuffled Cabinet.
Meanwhile, one of the most significant personnel changes was the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister.
As reported by RBC-Ukraine, the move was linked to a conflict with the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and disagreements over weapons procurement decisions that reportedly went against the military's preferences.
RBC-Ukraine also previously reported that Zelenskyy continues to urge Svyrydenko to take up the post of Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, despite her having already declined the position.
