Zelensky denies plans to dismiss PM Shmygal

MOSCOW. June 23 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has denied reports alleging that he intended to discharge Prime Minister Denis Shmygal from his office, Ukrainian media reported.

"First of all, I'd like to explain: if I decided a hundred percent to change the prime minister, I'd tell him first, and excuse me, I'd do that before telling journalists. After all, we've been working together for years. So, I haven't had any conversation with him. I do respect him [...] certainly both for this experience and simply as a person," Zelensky told journalists last Friday.

Parliamentarian Yaroslav Zheleznyak said last week that the Verkhovna Rada might pass a legislative amendment in June entitling it to discharge Shmygal from his office and terminate the government's powers during martial law.