In a major government reshuffle, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has replaced several key ministers amidst the ongoing conflict in the southeastern Donbas region. The timing of the reshuffle, which is the largest since the start of the Russian invasion, has raised concerns among the weary public and critics of Zelenskyy's administration.

The decision to replace the deputy prime minister and six cabinet ministers came as Ukrainian forces continue to lose ground in Donbas. Despite attempts to divert Moscow's attention by occupying part of the western Russian region of Kursk, Russian forces have continued their advance in the region, inflicting heavy losses on the Ukrainian side.

The public's frustration is further fueled by a combination of factors including the war fatigue, the mobilization measures, frequent blackouts, and the pervasive corruption plaguing the country. As a result, President Zelenskyy's popularity has been on the decline.

The decision to reshuffle the government was met with skepticism from some Ukrainians who believe that the focus should be on the war and not on internal changes. They argue that it will take time for the new ministers to settle in, potentially affecting the government's effectiveness in addressing the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, as the new appointees assume their roles, Russian forces continue to press forward in Donbas, despite heavy losses. The Ukrainian forces are reported to be severely understaffed, with many experienced servicemen forced to remain in service even after sustaining life-threatening injuries.

The reshuffle involved significant changes in key ministries such as the Foreign Ministry, where Dmytro Kuleba was replaced by his deputy Andrii Sybiha, a seasoned diplomat and presidential adviser. Olexander Kamyshin, who oversaw domestic arms production as the Strategic Industries Minister, was substituted with Herman Smetanin, the 32-year-old head of the state consortium of defense companies.

In addition to these changes, the justice, environment, and reintegration ministers were also replaced by officials known for their loyalty to President Zelenskyy. Critics argue that effective and empowered ministers should be appointed, but accuse Zelenskyy of concentrating power and removing officials and top generals who dared to voice their disagreements.

Observers note that dissenters within the government have already been removed since Zelenskyy assumed power in 2019, consolidating the government's dependence on the presidential administration. The reshuffle is seen by some as a result of Zelenskyy's desire to motivate officials and redirect public attention from issues such as corruption and the dysfunctional court system.

While some argue that the reshuffling is a mere public relations stunt, with most of the fired ministers finding new positions within the presidential administration, others emphasize the need for changes in order to address public disappointment and tackle pressing issues.

It remains to be seen how the reshuffle will impact Ukraine's response to the ongoing conflict in Donbas and address concerns regarding corruption and government effectiveness. As the situation in the region continues to develop, the Ukrainian government faces the challenge of regaining the trust and support of the weary public.