Ukraine's parliament has approved Andrii Sybiha, a 49-year-old former diplomat and ex-adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, as the country's new foreign minister.

It comes as Mr Zelensky carries out his biggest government reshuffle since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, with a number of appointments expected over the course of Thursday.

The shake-up has been expected for months, with much of the president's cabinet left holding office in an acting capacity after a spate of resignations and dismissals.

But critics have accused the president of seeking to centralise power around his office, with several of the new ministers having once served as his advisers.

Mr Sybiha will replace Dmytro Kuleba at the foreign ministry, but his appointment is not expected to alter policy significantly. President Zelensky and his office have broadly overseen international relations from the presidential palace.

The ex-ambassador is seen by some as being closer to Andriy Yermak, the increasingly powerful presidential chief of staff. Mr Yermak was said to have clashed with Mr Kuleba.

Another key adviser to the president, Oleksiy Kuleba, has been appointed as deputy prime minister in charge of reconstruction, regions and infrastructure. He previously served as deputy head of the presidential office.

Other changes include the promotion of 38-year-old Olha Stefanyshyna. She has been reappointed as deputy prime minister in charge of European integration, while also being handed the justice portfolio.