Kiev, Ukraine (AP) – Yulya Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s economy minister and a key negotiator for a mineral agreement with the United States, has been appointed as the new prime minister. This marks the first change in Ukraine’s top government position since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Svyrydenko is part of a group of officials stepping into new roles as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy restructures his cabinet, aiming to revitalize the country amidst ongoing conflict and bolster domestic arms production.
Even with these changes, Ukrainian leaders continue to depend on established officials who have demonstrated their effectiveness and loyalty during the four years of war, so the cabinet overhaul isn’t viewed as particularly significant.
Zelenskyy submitted nominations on Thursday to shuffle key government positions, including the replacement of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who has been the longest-serving head of government in Ukrainian history.
As per the Congress website, Shmyhal is set to transition into the role of Minister of Defense.
While other cabinet adjustments are anticipated, the appointment of Svyrydenko as Prime Minister takes center stage.
She has been instrumental in securing the US-Ukraine Minerals Agreement, ensuring Kyiv’s acceptance of the terms. Svyrydenko has also frequently represented Ukraine in high-level discussions with Western partners, focusing on defense cooperation and economic recovery.
Colleagues and lawmakers describe her as a diligent executive known for her loyalty to the presidency.
Earlier this week, Zelenskyy shared a photo with Svyrydenko and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, stating that the upcoming six months will emphasize increasing domestic weapon production, securing contracts for various drones for the Ukrainian defense forces, easing regulations to unlock economic potential, and ensuring social support programs.
Shmyhal announced his resignation as prime minister on Tuesday, having held the role for over five years since March 4, 2020.
Ukrainian analysts and local media rarely present Shmyhal as an independent political figure or a critique of Zelensky. Similar to Svyrydenko, he is generally regarded as loyal to the President and his administration.
His new position as Minister of Defense means he hasn’t completely exited the government; he continues in a significant role within the Cabinet. The Ministry of Defense oversees a substantial budget and holds crucial responsibilities for the ongoing war effort.
Shmyhal will be succeeding Rustem Umerov, who faced challenges in his efforts for reform, marked by internal discord and ongoing issues in Ukraine’s defense procurement system. Despite an active international presence, critics argue that the ministry suffers from mismanagement.
