In Ukraine, some are sceptical of Zelenskyy’s shake-up as Russia advances
Al Jazeera
The president, whose approval ratings are in decline, oversaw a major reshuffle as Russian troops advance in southeastern Donbas.
Kyiv, Ukraine – It was the biggest government reshuffle in Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion began – and the timing could not be worse.
Ukrainian forces continue to lose ground in the southeastern Donbas region even after trying to divert Moscow’s attention and manpower by occupying a chunk of the western Russian region of Kursk.
The public is weary of the war, draconian measures to mobilise men, almost daily blackouts and endemic corruption, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s popularity declines.
According to an August survey by the National Democratic Institute pollster, his ratings dropped to 45 percent from 69 percent in January.
Earlier this month, a deputy prime minister and six cabinet ministers sent their resignations to the Verkhovna Rada, the unicameral parliament of Ukraine.
