Zelensky Will Tap Economy Minister for Leadership Role as Prime Minister - Significant Shuffle in Leadership: President Zelensky Considering Minister of Economy for Premiership Role
Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, announced on July 14, 2025, a significant government reshuffle, with Yulia Svyrydenko named as the country's new Prime Minister [1][2][3][4]. This move aims to transform the executive branch and renew the government's work.
Yulia Svyrydenko, a long-standing ally of Zelensky, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to her nomination, she served as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development [1][3][4]. With an economic background, Svyrydenko has held key government positions, including deputy head of the president’s office and minister of economic development and trade [3].
Svyrydenko's appointment comes amidst a challenging economic landscape for Ukraine, which has been severely weakened by Russia's war of aggression. Her priority is to strengthen the Ukrainian economy and expand weapons production [2].
Denys Shmyhal, the incumbent Prime Minister since March 2020, is expected to resign soon and may move to become Ukraine’s defense minister, according to insider reports [1]. Svyrydenko's appointment requires a parliamentary vote following Shmyhal’s formal resignation. Zelensky’s party, which holds the majority, is expected to support the decision promptly [2].
The strategic priorities of Svyrydenko's administration include strengthening the economy, boosting arms production amid ongoing conflict, and enhancing cooperation with the U.S. and Europe [2]. Zelensky also announced his intention to appoint the current defense minister, Rustem Umerov, as the Ukrainian ambassador to Washington [4]. The appointment of Umerov as the Ukrainian ambassador to Washington is under consideration.
This reshuffle is linked to broader strategic moves, including potential changes in defense leadership and diplomatic posts. The appointment signals Zelensky's intent to accelerate economic reforms and government effectiveness during a pivotal time for Ukraine, especially in terms of economic development and international cooperation [1][2][4].
Kyiv is currently dependent on annual aid packages worth billions from Western countries. The reshuffle plans aim to strengthen Ukraine's relations with the United States and improve the administration of the defense sector. Svyrydenko is described as "very efficient," always keeping her cool, and able to bring "a certain freshness" to the government.
[1] Ukrainian President Zelensky Announces Major Government Reshuffle (2025, July 14). Retrieved from https://www.ukrainianews.com/politics/3169638-ukrainian-president-zelensky-announces-major-government-reshuffle
[2] Zelensky Appoints Yulia Svyrydenko as Ukraine's New Prime Minister (2025, July 14). Retrieved from https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/zelensky-appoints-yulia-svyrydenko-as-ukraines-new-prime-minister
[3] Who is Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's New Prime Minister? (2025, July 14). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57934765
[4] Zelensky Announces Major Cabinet Changes, Including New Prime Minister (2025, July 14). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelensky-announces-major-cabinet-changes-including-new-prime-minister-2025-07-14/
The Commission's decision to grant a Community guarantee to the European Investment Bank for the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises aligns with Svyrydenko's focus on economic development, as she now takes on the role of Ukraine's Prime Minister. This government reshuffle, emblematic of politics, is a step towards policy-and-legislation changes, particularly in the general news sphere concerning Ukraine's economic recovery and relations with the West.
Given the challenging economic environment due to Russia's aggression, the new administration led by Svyrydenko intends to prioritize strengthening the economy, expanding weapons production, and bolstering cooperation with the U.S. and Europe, which could significantly impact policy-and-legislation as well as the broader international circumstances of Ukraine in terms of economic development.
