Three sources close to Svyrydenko said that as of the morning of July 14, she was not considering the position for herself. It remains unclear whether she has formally declined the president's offer.
A source in the Office of the President told Suspilne that Svyrydenko's removal as prime minister was explained specifically by the need to replace Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, a position currently held by Olga Stefanishyna.
MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak said Svyrydenko may turn down the ambassador post, since her removal as prime minister came as "unwelcome news" to her. According to Zheleznyak, Svyrydenko also plans to discuss "her future" with the president.
Ukraine's government reshuffle
On July 12, Zelenskyy announced upcoming changes to the government and offered Svyrydenko a different position. Svyrydenko confirmed she would step down as prime minister.
According to Zheleznyak, potential candidates for the prime minister's post include current Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov and Sergii Koretskyi, chairman of the board of Ukraine's state energy company Naftogaz. According to Zheleznyak and several media reports, Koretskyi is considered the leading candidate to head the new composition of the Cabinet.
According to Interfax-Ukraine, Svyrydenko had been expected to become ambassador to the United States, replacing Olga Stefanishyna, who had requested to end her diplomatic service for personal reasons. Zheleznyak also said the change in ambassadors to the United States was "somewhat of a forced move."
The current prime minister's resignation is expected to take effect on July 14.