KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko as Ukraine’s new Prime Minister on Thursday, marking the first leadership change at the top of government since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Svyrydenko, who played a key role in negotiating a critical minerals deal with the U.S., takes the reins amid a broader Cabinet shake-up aimed at revitalizing Ukraine’s war effort and accelerating domestic weapons production.
While the reshuffle signals a new phase in Ukraine’s wartime leadership, it also reflects Zelenskyy’s ongoing reliance on loyal and proven officials. Svyrydenko is seen as a trusted member of Zelenskyy’s inner circle and has represented Ukraine in numerous high-level negotiations on defense, economic recovery, and reconstruction with Western allies.
Her appointment comes as Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s longest-serving prime minister, steps down after more than five years in office. He will remain in government, taking over as Defense Minister — a role made even more critical by the ongoing war.
Shmyhal replaces Rustem Umerov, whose efforts to reform the Defense Ministry were overshadowed by persistent dysfunction and procurement issues. Despite his international outreach, Umerov’s tenure faced criticism for internal mismanagement.
Zelenskyy confirmed the leadership transition in a social media post featuring Svyrydenko and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. He outlined key priorities for the next six months: ramping up domestic arms production, expanding drone contracts, boosting economic potential through deregulation, and improving delivery of social support programs.
While the shake-up is seen as a continuity move rather than a dramatic shift, Svyrydenko’s promotion underscores Ukraine’s focus on wartime resilience and post-war rebuilding — both domestically and in coordination with international partners.
