Zelensky Names Yulia Svyrydenko as Ukraine’s New Prime Minister in Major Wartime Shake-Up
In the most significant government overhaul since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s parliament has approved the appointment of Yulia Svyrydenko as Prime Minister, marking a historic shift in the country’s wartime leadership.
The 39-year-old secured 262 votes in the Verkhovna Rada following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call earlier this week for a “more dynamic and victory-focused” government. Her elevation makes her the second woman ever to hold the office of Prime Minister in Ukraine’s history, after Yulia Tymoshenko.
Previously serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Svyrydenko has been a key figure in steering Ukraine’s economic resilience during the war, especially in navigating foreign aid negotiations and critical mineral deals with Western allies, including the U.S.
Born in Chernihiv in 1985, she rapidly rose through regional government ranks before entering national politics. She joined the federal Cabinet shortly before the Russian invasion in February 2022 and has since overseen the country’s wartime economic strategy.
Svyrydenko’s appointment follows the formal resignation of Denys Shmyhal, who served as Prime Minister for five years.
His departure was confirmed by the Rada on Wednesday, and he is widely tipped to take over as Defense Minister in the coming days — part of a broader reshuffle aimed at reinvigorating the administration as the war nears its third year.
Health Minister Viktor Liashko is also expected to be among those replaced, according to local reports. Zelensky has framed the shake-up as necessary to inject “fresh energy” into governance and improve responsiveness to public needs amid continued military and economic strain.
The Cabinet overhaul comes at a pivotal moment, as Ukraine prepares for new battlefield dynamics and continues to lobby Western allies for sustained military and economic support.
