Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to appoint the country’s first new prime minister since the war began, tapping 39-year-old economist Yulia Svyrydenko to lead a reshuffled cabinet amid growing economic strain and political fatigue.
The move, expected Thursday, comes as Kyiv looks to balance wartime defense needs with economic recovery — and, critically, mend frayed ties with the Trump administration. Svyrydenko, well regarded in Washington, is seen as a strategic pick intended to signal renewed cooperation with the U.S. following Zelensky’s rocky visit to the White House earlier this year.
Zelensky’s choice also reflects an effort to inject fresh energy into a leadership team that has drawn criticism for insularity and stagnation.
A Strategic Appointment
Svyrydenko is widely expected to replace outgoing Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who is likely to shift into the role of defense minister — a move that underscores the growing importance Kyiv places on ramping up its domestic arms industry. Though technically a demotion, the defense post controls the lion’s share of Ukraine’s budget and has faced criticism for mismanagement and lack of oversight.
Svyrydenko already has a track record with the U.S., having helped broker a recent deal granting Washington preferential access to key Ukrainian mineral resources. Her elevation sends a clear message: Kyiv wants to strengthen strategic ties with its top Western backer.
“This isn’t just about aid or money — it’s about shared values and long-term partnership,” said political analyst Mykola Davydiuk.
Economic Pressures Mount
The cabinet shake-up comes as Ukraine faces mounting financial challenges. With defense spending consuming over a quarter of GDP — more than $53 billion in 2025 — officials say the country will need around $40 billion in international support next year, with a projected $19 billion shortfall.
Shmyhal’s expected shift to the defense ministry has been welcomed by some economists. “The ministry has lacked stable management since the war began. Shmyhal’s appointment is a smart move,” said Hlib Vyshlinsky of the Centre for Economic Strategy in Kyiv.
Still, concerns remain that Zelensky is relying too heavily on a small inner circle. Critics say the reshuffle lacks real renewal and fails to bring in a broader range of talent.
Opposition lawmaker Andrii Osadchuk warned that the government risks slipping into “stagnation” without fresh leadership. “It’s becoming harder and harder for Zelensky to bring in new, capable people,” he said.
Political Limits in Wartime
While Zelensky remains broadly popular, his government is under growing scrutiny. Corruption scandals have eroded public trust, including recent charges against a deputy prime minister accused of taking a $345,000 bribe.
Civil society groups and business leaders have also criticized the administration’s recent decisions, including the rejection of a widely supported candidate for economic security chief.
Zelensky’s tight grip on appointments has also drawn fire. “His short bench of trusted aides has become a stool with room for five or six people,” wrote opposition MP Iryna Herashchenko, a member of former president Petro Poroshenko’s party.
The absence of elections — prohibited under martial law — means few new political figures can emerge. Although many Ukrainians desire broader political change, polling suggests they prioritize national defense over electoral reform for now.
“The public wants renewal,” said Anton Grushetskyi, director of the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. “But they also understand that beating back Russia must come first.”
Zelensky’s latest reshuffle is an attempt to thread that needle — projecting change while maintaining control, and keeping Western allies, especially Washington, on board.
