On the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has introduced a significant reshuffle in the government. Yuliia Svyrydenko, aged 39, has been appointed the new Prime Minister, replacing Denys Shmyhal, who had held the position since 2020.
Following parliamentary approval, Svyrydenko officially assumed office on Thursday. She previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic Development and Trade. She played a key role in strengthening ties with the United States and was instrumental in recent mineral resource agreements.
The new Prime Minister stated that her top priorities would include boosting domestic arms production, strengthening the military, and ensuring wartime economic stability.
“Our goal is to build a self-reliant and resilient Ukraine, one whose benefits the people can directly experience,” she said. “In the reality of war, we have no time to waste.”
Outgoing Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (49) is now set to take over as Defense Minister—a ministry that has recently been under scrutiny due to corruption allegations.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (50) will remain in his post. Outgoing Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna (39) has been nominated as Ukraine’s next ambassador to Washington. She will assume office upon receiving U.S. approval. Stefanishyna also played an active role in mineral agreement negotiations.
Oksana Markarova, the current Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, is being recalled. Her standing in American political circles had drawn criticism from the Trump administration.
Additionally, Oleksii Soboliev has been appointed as the new Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, while Taras Kachka will serve as Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration.
Despite the reshuffle, critics point out that many familiar faces remain in the cabinet. There are growing concerns that President Zelensky is consolidating his control over the government by appointing close loyalists to key positions.