KYIV, Sept 3 (Reuters) – On Tuesday, the Ukrainian official responsible for arms manufacturing stepped down, expecting to take on another defense responsibility. Alongside four other ministers, this resignation marks a significant reshuffle in the government at a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The departure of Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin, along with Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna and the ministers for justice, environment, and reintegration, has left over a third of the cabinet positions unfilled following removals that occurred earlier this year.

As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares for a trip to the United States this month to discuss a “victory plan” with U.S. President Joe Biden, a key ally, he and his affiliates may quickly appoint replacements to stabilize the government.

In his evening address, Zelenskyy emphasized the crucial importance of autumn for Ukraine, stating, “We need to adapt our state institutions to ensure we achieve the necessary results for our nation.”

He remarked, “Changes in the government are underway, and adjustments will also be made within the president’s office.”

Additionally, Zelenskyy has dismissed Rostyslav Shurma, one of his deputy chiefs of staff focused on economic matters, as indicated in a decree posted on the presidential site.

According to David Arakhamia, a senior lawmaker from Zelenskyy’s party, a “major government reset” is imminent, which will see significant changes to over half of the ministries.

“Tomorrow, we anticipate a day of dismissals, followed by appointments the next day,” he predicted.

There are indications that Stefanishyna, who has focused on Ukraine’s efforts to secure EU and NATO membership, may be appointed to lead a larger ministry that unites her previous responsibilities with those of the justice ministry, as reported by the Suspilne public broadcaster.

Meanwhile, Kamyshin has been at the forefront of boosting Ukraine’s defense production, which includes manufacturing attack drones and long-range missiles to counter Russia’s advancements.

On the Telegram messaging app, Kamyshin, 40, described his intent to remain in the defense sector but take on a different role. He became the minister in March 2023 after establishing himself as a proficient administrator during his tenure with the national railways, which is crucial for logistics for both civilians and the military during the ongoing conflict.

Under his guidance, Ukraine has successfully produced thousands of long-range drones targeted at Russian forces. Recently, President Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine has utilized a novel “drone-missile” and conducted tests for a new ballistic missile.

Critical Moment in Warfare

On the battlefield, Ukraine is undertaking a perilous cross-border operation into Russia’s Kursk region as Russian forces make significant advances in eastern Ukraine.

Russia has intensified its long-range missile attacks. A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, with at least 50 fatalities and 271 injuries reported, marking the deadliest strike of the year, when ballistic missiles hit a military facility in the town of Poltava.

Following a tumultuous summer, lawmakers and analysts had anticipated substantial governmental shifts. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal hinted at the possibility of streamlining the administration and consolidating multiple ministries.

Currently, at least five cabinet roles remain unfilled following previous dismissals or resignations, including crucial positions in agriculture and infrastructure.

Kursk is uplifting Ukraine’s spirits and may pressure Putin significantly.

Opposition politician Iryna Herashchenko remarked, “This is a cabinet lacking ministers. we are experiencing an intellectual and staffing crisis, which the leaders are ignoring.”

She advocated for a national unity government to break the tight control over power by Zelenskyy’s political group.

(Reported by Olena Harmash; Written by Tom Balmforth; Edited by Alexandra Hudson and Rosalba O’Brien)