2024-09-07 20:45:51
The Ukrainian president could link a new start in foreign policy to his “victory plan,” which he plans to present in the USA in the coming weeks. This plan is intended to outline how Ukraine intends to force Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.
And that is also a risk. The new Ukrainian foreign minister must first build trust with Ukraine’s partners. Because a lot of things at this diplomatic level also work through personal meetings. That is why the government reshuffle will initially slow down diplomatic processes.
In addition, the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government is slowly waning. Zelensky was only elected until the end of May. However, martial law is in place in the country, meaning elections are not possible in the country attacked by Russia. Therefore, the president, who still has strong support among large sections of the population, remains in power – as do his ministers. This is compatible with the Ukrainian constitution, but in the information war it offers Russia the opportunity to question the legitimacy of the leadership in Kiev through propaganda. Zelensky could now give these critics new ammunition with his ministerial reshuffle.
Moscow is already saying that the situation in Kiev is being monitored. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that the cabinet reshuffle would not affect the prospects of resuming negotiations with Kiev. “No, it will have no impact,” he said in a telephone conversation with journalists. Putin therefore appears to be continuing to count on a war victory, regardless of which government team Kiev puts together.