Verkhovna Rada Approves Sybiha as Foreign Minister With 266 Votes

On August 19, Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, reappointed Andriy Sybiha as foreign minister, with a vote of 266 lawmakers in his favor, according to lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak. The Foreign Ministry expressed its satisfaction with Sybiha's return to the position, stating that his team would continue working to promote Ukraine's national interests, garner international support to end the ongoing war, and strive for a lasting peace.

The ministry congratulated Sybiha on his reappointment, emphasizing its priorities under his leadership. These priorities include bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities, employing diplomacy to intensify pressure on Russia, enhancing Ukraine's air defenses against ballistic attacks, and fortifying the resilience of the nation's energy system in preparation for the winter season.

The Foreign Ministry also pledged to maintain Ukraine's integration into the European Union and NATO, strengthen the country's role as a security partner and contributor, protect the rights of Ukrainians living abroad, preserve their ties and identity, foster relations with neighboring countries, and bolster Ukraine's economy and food exports.

Sybiha continued to serve as the head of the Foreign Ministry during the government reshuffle in July but worked as an acting minister for a period before receiving a formal reappointment. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the government reshuffle on July 12. The Verkhovna Rada dismissed then-Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko on July 14.

Former head of Naftogaz, Serhiy Koretskyi, was appointed as prime minister on July 16. Zelensky subsequently submitted Sybiha's candidacy to the Verkhovna Rada for a formal vote on his appointment as foreign minister.