The recent spate of dismissals or resignations of high-ranking officials in Ukraine is a sign that the country’s reform drive is stalling just 16 months since the EuroMaidan Revolution, analysts say.Those being expelled include Western-educated specialists who had successful careers in the private sector, but who wanted to help change Ukraine after the corrupt Viktor Yanukovych fled power.

The ruling coalition in Parliament contends that the officials failed to carry out major reforms and combat corruption. But critics argue that President Petro Poroshenko, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and Parliament share the blame for this failure.

Analysts say that the reshuffle could be the result of backroom deals. But the crucial question is whether the new appointees will be any more efficient and reform-minded than their predecessors.

The most recent firing was Ecology and Natural Resources Minister Ihor Shevchenko. Parliament voted to dismiss him on July 2. He was accused of failing to reform his ministry, which oversees licensing for oil and gas exploration – a major potential source of corruption.