Parliament approves Šmyhal's nomination as energy minister

On Wednesday, the Ukrainian parliament approved the nomination of former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as Minister of Energy and First Deputy Prime Minister. The personnel change comes at a time of escalating Russian attacks on the Ukrainian energy sector, which are increasing pressure on the stability of electricity supplies.

Shmyhal is one of the most experienced members of the Ukrainian executive. He served as prime minister from 2020 to July 2025, making him the country's longest-serving prime minister. After leaving the post of prime minister, he was appointed defense minister in July 2025.

After the Russian invasion in February 2022, Shmyhal was often praised for helping to maintain relative economic stability and ensuring the basic functioning of the state even in wartime conditions. In his new position, he is expected to strengthen crisis management in the energy sector, which has been repeatedly targeted by attacks.

(reuters, lud)