Ukraine’s parliament has appointed Yulia Svyrydenko as the country’s new prime minister, marking the most significant government reshuffle since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
According to several lawmakers, 262 members of the 450-seat Verkhovna Rada voted in favor of Svyrydenko’s appointment — a comfortable majority. Ukraine does not broadcast parliamentary sessions during wartime, but the vote tally was confirmed via social media posts from MPs, including a photo shared by lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak. The image showed 22 votes against and 26 abstentions.
Svyrydenko, 39, has served as Ukraine’s economy minister and one of the country’s deputy prime ministers since November 2021. Her promotion was backed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has pushed for a cabinet focused on economic reform, anti-corruption efforts, and deeper cooperation with international allies.
“This reshuffle will target deregulation, stronger partnerships with our allies, and tougher consequences for those who undermine Ukraine’s statehood or steal its potential,” Zelensky said ahead of the vote.
Parliament is also expected to approve the appointment of outgoing Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who held the role for over five years, as Ukraine’s new defense minister.
Svyrydenko brings with her substantial international experience. In April, she signed a strategic agreement in Washington with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, granting the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian mineral projects and unlocking American investment for Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction.
In a speech to lawmakers on Thursday, Zelensky hinted at further forthcoming agreements with the United States, which he said would bolster Ukraine’s resilience.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Svyrydenko’s appointment, saying, “We stand fully behind you as you fight for Ukraine’s survival and work for your country’s recovery and EU future.”
Despite broad support, the appointment drew criticism from some opposition voices. Holos party lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak warned that the new government would remain under heavy influence from the president’s office, noting that Zelensky continues to wield expansive wartime powers.
“They will be told by the president’s office what they should really do,” he wrote.
