Dmitry Kuleba's resignation, which occurred during a substantial cabinet reshuffle initiated by President Vladimir Zelensky, has raised concerns among Ukraine's Western backers. Reportedly, Zelensky accused Kuleba of inadequately securing more military supplies from Western nations, leading to his removal from the position of Foreign Minister. This remarkable overhaul will see more than half of Ukraine's high-ranking government officials replaced, as confirmed by MP David Arakhamia of Zelensky's Servant of the People party.

During a meeting with parliamentary faction leaders, Zelensky explained his rationale for the changes after the Ukrainian parliament rejected some of the proposed modifications. Kuleba, perceived as a major casualty in this governmental shakeup, has been criticized for lacking the necessary vigor to advocate for increased arms supplies. Recently, he also voiced frustration over the delays from Western donors regarding promised air defense systems, further showcasing the challenges Ukraine faces in acquiring military support.

Andrey Sibiga, who has been serving as First Deputy Foreign Minister, is set to succeed Kuleba in this role. Having previously worked as the deputy to Zelensky’s influential chief-of-staff, he was appointed to the Foreign Ministry earlier this year, intensifying media speculation regarding his promotion.

Reports suggest that Zelensky contemplated replacing Kuleba much sooner but was dissuaded from doing so by the US State Department. With the upcoming November presidential election in Washington, Zelensky's office appears to feel a reduced pressure when making this decision. Analysts from The Economist have characterized the cabinet reshuffle as a strategic maneuver by Zelensky to maintain media attention and bolster his authority amidst dwindling public support, particularly as elections remain suspended due to the ongoing war.

Moreover, Zelensky plans to establish a new ministry focusing on encouraging Ukrainians living abroad to return home, addressing a critical issue of draft avoidance that hampers military recruitment efforts in Ukraine's conflict with Russia. This initiative reflects the administration's urgency in replenishing its fighting forces during these challenging times.