Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada on Wednesday, Aug. 19, reappointed Andriy Sybiha as foreign minister, with 266 lawmakers voting in favor, according to lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak.
The Foreign Ministry welcomed Sybiha’s reappointment, saying the diplomatic team would continue working under his leadership to advance Ukraine’s national interests, consolidate international support to end the war and secure a lasting peace.
“We congratulate Andriy Sybiha on his reappointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine!” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said its priorities under Sybiha include strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and using diplomacy to increase pressure on Russia.
It also highlighted strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses against ballistic attacks and improving the resilience of the country’s energy system ahead of winter.
Ukraine’s diplomatic priorities
The Foreign Ministry said it would continue supporting Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and NATO while strengthening the country’s role as a security partner and contributor.
The ministry also said it would work to protect the rights of Ukrainians abroad, preserve their ties and identity, develop relations with neighboring countries and support the resilience of Ukraine’s economy and food exports.
Sybiha continued leading the Foreign Ministry during the government reshuffle but worked for a period as acting minister before being formally reappointed.
On July 12, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a government reshuffle. The Verkhovna Rada dismissed then-Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko on July 14.
On July 16, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Serhiy Koretskyi, the former head of Naftogaz, as prime minister.
Zelensky later submitted Sybiha’s candidacy to the Verkhovna Rada for a formal vote on his appointment as foreign minister.