Zelenskyy appoints a new prime minister as part of a cabinet reshuffle, aiming to bolster efforts in the ongoing war.
In a significant shift in Ukraine's political landscape, Yuliia Svyrydenko has been appointed as the new Prime Minister on July 17, 2025. Svyrydenko, a seasoned politician and economist, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Born on December 25, 1985, in Chernihiv, Ukraine, Svyrydenko graduated with honours from Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics in 2008, with a degree in antimonopoly management. Prior to her appointment as Prime Minister, she served as Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade since November 4, 2021.
Svyrydenko's elevation to the Prime Minister's seat makes her the second woman to hold this position in Ukraine, following Yulia Tymoshenko. Her appointment is seen within the context of Ukraine's centralised wartime governance structure, with significant executive power concentrated in the Presidential Office. Svyrydenko is viewed as a close ally of Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, who is considered one of the most influential figures in Ukraine's current political landscape.
Svyrydenko has proven her mettle in foreign negotiations, particularly in securing a landmark agreement with the United States on rare earths and minerals. This agreement established a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund, which is crucial for Ukraine's strategic and economic partnership with the U.S. She led Ukraine's delegation to Washington and signed the agreement with U.S. officials, marking a significant step in Ukraine-U.S. cooperation.
Meanwhile, Denys Shmyhal, the longest-serving head of government in Ukraine's history, has moved to become Ukraine's defense minister. Shmyhal's resignation as prime minister on Tuesday, having held the position for more than five years, paved the way for Svyrydenko's appointment. Shmyhal remains in the cabinet in a powerful role due to the critical importance of the defense ministry because of the war.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reshuffled the Cabinet to energise a war-weary nation and boost domestic weapons production. The focus for the next six months, as per Zelenskyy's post on Tuesday, includes increasing domestic weapons production, fully contracting all types of drones for Ukraine's defense forces, easing regulations to unlock economic potential, and ensuring delivery of social support programs.
This reshuffle is not an isolated event, as other changes are expected in Ukraine's Cabinet. Svyrydenko and Shmyhal are both seen as loyal to President Zelenskyy and his team. Svyrydenko, in particular, has frequently represented Ukraine in high-level talks with Western partners.
Lawmakers and fellow officials describe Yuliia Svyrydenko as a diligent executive with a reputation for loyalty to the presidential office. Her appointment comes at a critical juncture for Ukraine, as the nation navigates the challenges of a prolonged conflict with Russia. Svyrydenko's leadership, resilience, and commitment to economic development and strategic international partnerships are expected to play a crucial role in steering Ukraine through these challenging times.
- Svyrydenko's appointment as Prime Minister, amidst Ukraine's centralised wartime governance structure and ongoing war-and-conflicts with Russia, holds significant political implications, given her role in high-level talks with Western partners.
- In her new role, Svyrydenko's focus on easing regulations to unlock economic potential and ensuring the delivery of social support programs could greatly impact Ukraine's economy, as the nation aims to boost domestic weapons production and navigate the challenges of a prolonged conflict.
