Ukraine’s Economy Minister and the key negotiator in the mineral deal with the U.S., Yuliia Svyrydenko, was appointed as its new Prime Minister on Thursday (July 17, 2025), becoming the country’s first new head of government since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ms. Svyrydenko is one of a group of officials taking on new roles in Ukraine’s government, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reshuffles the Cabinet in a bid to energise a war-weary nation and boost domestic weapons production in the face of Russia’s grinding invasion.
At home, however, the Cabinet recalibration has not been seen as a major shift, as the Ukrainian leader continues to rely on officials who have proven their effectiveness and loyalty during the war, now in its fourth year.
Mr. Zelenskyy submitted nominations on Thursday (July 17, 2025) to shuffle top government positions, including the replacement of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the longest-serving head of government in Ukraine’s history.
Parliament approved Mr. Shmyhal as Ukraine’s new Defence Minister.
In his address to parliament, Mr. Zelenskyy said new agreements are expected to be signed with the United States and that “they will enhance Ukraine’s stance.” Hence, changes are needed in diplomatic efforts with Washington, he said.
Other changes are expected in the Cabinet, but Ms. Svyrydenko’s appointment as prime minister is taking centre stage.
She played a key role in negotiating a US–Ukraine deal on mineral resources, seen as an important way of tying U.S. interests to securing Ukraine’s future. She helped ensure that the terms of the minerals deal were acceptable to Kyiv and has frequently represented Ukraine in high-level talks with Western partners, focusing on defence cooperation, economic recovery and reconstruction.
Lawmakers and fellow officials describe her as a diligent executive with a reputation for loyalty to the presidential office.
On Tuesday (July 15, 2025), Mr. Zelenskyy posted a photo with Ms. Svyrydenko and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, writing that the focus for the next six months would be increasing domestic weapons production, fully contracting all types of drones for Ukraine’s defence forces, easing regulations to unlock economic potential, and ensuring delivery of social support programs.
Mr. Shmyhal announced his resignation as prime minister on Tuesday (July 15, 2025). He held the position for more than five years after being appointed on March 4, 2020.
Ukrainian analysts and local media have rarely portrayed Mr. Shmyhal as an independent political figure or a counterweight to Mr. Zelenskyy. Like Ms. Svyrydenko, he is seen as loyal to the president and his team.
His new post as defence minister means he is not leaving government, but instead remains in the Cabinet in a powerful role. The Defence Ministry commands one of the largest budgets and carries critical importance because of the war.
Mr. Shmyhal replaced Rustem Umerov, who, although he sought to push reforms, saw his tenure marked by internal turbulence and persistent dysfunction in Ukraine’s defence procurement system. Despite his active role on the international stage, critics said the ministry remained plagued by mismanagement.
Another key appointment for strengthening Ukraine’s war effort is the nomination of a new ambassador to the United States — a major partner, though ties between the two countries have been uneasy since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January.
Mr. Zelenskyy on Thursday (July 17, 2025) signed a decree nominating Olga Stefanishyna as Ukraine’s next ambassador to Washington. In the meantime, he appointed Stefanishyna, previously the minister for European integration, as the special representative for the development of cooperation with the United States.
In this role, she will help keep up strong ties with the U.S. while her nomination as ambassador is being considered in Washington.
Mr. Zelenskyy had previously voiced his intention to replace Oksana Markarova as Ukrainian ambassador to the US.
Published – July 17, 2025 03:02 pm IST
