ISLAMABAD (Monitorinng Desk); Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has nominated Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to become the country’s new prime minister, signaling a major political shake-up as Ukraine continues to battle Russia’s invasion.
Announcing the move on Monday, Zelenskyy described it as part of a broader “transformation of the executive branch” aimed at revitalizing the government more than three years into the war.
“I have proposed that Yuliia Svyrydenko lead the government of Ukraine and significantly renew its work,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media, adding that he expects a detailed action plan from the new cabinet soon.
At 39, Svyrydenko has emerged as a prominent figure, particularly after navigating tense negotiations this year over a rare mineral deal with the United States — a crucial military backer — that temporarily strained ties.
If approved by parliament, she will replace Denys Shmyhal, who has served as prime minister since 2020, the longest tenure of any Ukrainian head of government since independence from Moscow in 1991.
Former economy minister Tymofiy Mylovanov said the change would bring “a sort of freshness,” noting that “people are exhausted” after years of war.
In a further shake-up, Zelenskyy announced he would nominate Shmyhal as Ukraine’s new defence minister, citing his extensive experience as vital for managing the country’s most critical sector amid the conflict.
If confirmed, Shmyhal would succeed Rustem Umerov, who is reportedly being considered for Ukraine’s ambassadorship to Washington.
Zelenskyy met with Umerov over the weekend, later emphasizing the need for “more positive dynamics in relations with the United States” alongside new approaches in managing Ukraine’s defence.
Svyrydenko, who also serves as deputy prime minister, took charge of Ukraine’s fragile economy just months before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Her nomination is expected to pass smoothly, as parliament has largely remained united behind Zelenskyy since the war began.
