Govt reshuffle expected in Ukraine

MOSCOW. March 20 (Interfax) - On Monday, the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada supported Sergei Shkarlet's resignation as education and science minister, Ukrainian media reported with reference to parliamentarian Alexei Goncharenko of the European Solidarity faction.

Shkarlet has served as education and science minister since December 17, 2020. He is a doctor of economic sciences and a professor and holds the official title as eminent science and technology professional. In May 2010, Shkarlet was appointed rector (chancellor) of the Chernigov National Technology University and held the post until his appointment as deputy minister.

The Rada also supported the resignations of Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Transformation Minister Mikhail Fedorov and Minister for Strategic Industry Sectors Pavel Ryabikin.

"As concerns Ryabikin [...] he's being considered as a candidate for ambassador to China," Ukrainian media quoted Goncharenko as saying in a social media post.

Ryabikin has served as minister for strategic industry sectors since November 4, 2021. Before this appointment, he had headed the State Customs Service.            

The government's representative to the Verkhovna Rada Taras Melnichuk said on Saturday, March 18, that letters of resignation from Shkarlet, Minister of Strategic Industries Pavel Ryabikin and Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Transformation Minister Mikhail Fyodorov had been submitted to the parliament. 

Oksen Lisovy is expected to become Ukraine's education and science minister and Alexander Kamyshin will be appointed minister of strategic industries as part of a planned government reshuffle.

Prime Minister Denis Shmygal, for his part, said that Mikhail Fyodorov would be responsible for a number of other areas in addition to digitalization.

"His future post is deputy prime minister, minister for innovations and the development of education, science and technologies - minister of digital transformation of Ukraine," Shmygal said.