The Ukrainian parliament on Wednesday voted in favor of Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal's dismissal, after he earlier tendered his resignation. 

The decision to dismiss 49-year-old Shmyhal was supported by 261 lawmakers in the parliament, formally known as the Verkhovna Rada.

At least 226 votes were needed to approve the dismissal, with Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers also being dissolved amid the government shakeup .

Ukraine's longest serving PM

Shmyhal has served as Ukraine's prime minister since March 2020, the longest serving individual in the role in Ukrainian history. The prime minister is Ukraine's head of government, whereas Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the current head of state.   

Shmyhal's resignation comes amid a major government reshuffle which is intended to recalibrate Ukraine's economic and defense policies.  

Ukrainian media reports say Shmyhal is expected to take over as Ukraine's defense minister from Rustem Umerov, who could possibly be appointed as Ukrainian ambassador to the US. 

Who is expected to be Ukraine's next prime minister? 

Yulia Svyrydenko, who serves as deputy prime minister and economy minister, is expected to succeed Shmyhal as PM.

Svyrydenko, a 39-year-old economist, earlier played a key role in securing a minerals deal between Ukraine and US President Donald Trump's administration.

The US is a key ally of Ukraine as it fends off Russia's ongoing invasion, with Trump earlier this week vowing Patriot missiles and weapons to the Ukrainian military which would be paid for by European NATO members.  

Edited by: Kieran Burke