Resignation of Denys Shmyhal from the position of Minister of Defense
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine voted for the dismissal of Denys Shmyhal from the position of Minister of Defense on January 13, 2026. This decision was made at a parliamentary meeting where 265 members of parliament voted for his resignation.
Vote distribution among factions
The voting showed the distribution of support among factions. In the 'Servant of the People' faction, 180 deputies voted 'for', one voted 'against', two abstained, and 21 deputies did not participate in the voting. In the 'European Solidarity' faction, there was not a single vote 'for', one deputy voted 'against', 20 abstained, and one deputy did not vote.
- The 'Fatherland' faction supported Shmyhal's resignation with 17 votes, having no votes 'against' or abstaining, with one deputy not voting.
- The 'Platform for Life and Peace' faction voted 'for' with 16 votes, without 'against' or abstaining; one deputy did not vote.
- In the 'Voice' faction, six deputies voted 'against', nine abstained, and one deputy did not vote.
- The 'Revival of Ukraine' faction supported the dismissal with 11 votes, without any 'against' or abstaining, with none not voting.
- In the 'For the Future' faction, 12 deputies voted 'for', without 'against' or abstaining, with one deputy not voting.
- The 'Trust' faction supported the resignation with 18 votes, without 'against' or abstaining, with none not voting.
Thus, the decision of the Verkhovna Rada to dismiss Denys Shmyhal from the position of Minister of Defense was made with significant support, reflecting the parliament's position on the further course of defense policy in Ukraine.
The resignation of Denys Shmyhal from the position of Minister of Defense can be perceived as a signal of possible changes in the military strategy of the country, especially in the context of ongoing aggression. The voting results indicate clear support for his resignation by the majority of deputies, which may reflect both internal political differences and external challenges faced by Ukraine. Further steps by the parliament in this area could determine a new course for defense policy and response strategies to current threats.