Ukrainian lawmakers have made a significant move by appointing Yulia Svyrydenko, the economy minister and first deputy prime minister, as the new prime minister. This decision, made during a cabinet shuffle, is aimed at enhancing relations with the United States and revitalizing the war-torn country.
On July 17, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, overwhelmingly supported Svyrydenko’s nomination. Out of 450 deputies, 262 voted in favor, while only 22 opposed the appointment and 26 abstained.
Svyrydenko, an economist by training, is recognized in Washington for her pivotal role in securing a minerals deal with the United States. She is replacing Denys Shmyhal, who held the position longer than any other prime minister in Ukraine’s history.
Shmyhal’s appointment to head the Defense Ministry signifies President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s intent to bolster domestic weapons production amidst the ongoing conflict triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion, which is entering its fourth year.
In his address to the Ukrainian parliament, shortly before his nomination was confirmed, Shmyhal highlighted the necessity for the military to have a system designed with the soldier’s needs in mind. He emphasized the importance of equipping forces with comprehensive resources.
As Svyrydenko assumed her new role, she outlined her main priority as ensuring the defense and security of Ukraine while guaranteeing state stability. “The state apparatus has no right to waste the resources and potential of our country,” she asserted.
Zelenskyy’s cabinet changes are seen as a strategy to invigorate Ukraine’s war efforts and enhance communication and collaboration with Washington. Andriy Sybiha retains his position as Ukraine’s foreign minister, reaffirming continuity in diplomatic efforts with U.S. representatives.
However, Oksana Markarova has stepped down from her role as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States. Zelenskyy has nominated Olha Stefanishyna, the former lead on Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration, as her successor. This decision surprised many as Rustem Umerov was also previously considered a potential candidate.
Stefanishyna will function as a special envoy to the U.S. until her ambassadorship is formally approved in Washington. Markarova’s departure follows several controversial diplomatic actions, including her coordination of President Zelenskyy’s visit to an arms facility in President Biden’s hometown, which upset certain members of the Republican Party.
The history of Ukraine’s political relations with the U.S. has been complex, particularly after the 2019 impeachment trial that was partly borne from a phone call between Zelenskyy and then-President Donald Trump. The ongoing conflict has led Washington’s unwavering support for Ukraine to be viewed as uncertain.
In a post on Telegram right after the July 17 parliamentary session, Zelenskyy indicated that adjustments to Ukraine’s diplomatic staff would continue in the following week, as he and the foreign minister prepare further changes.
Svyrydenko, who assumed her previous roles in 2021, was instrumental in negotiations with the United States regarding a deal on access to Ukraine’s valuable mineral resources. This agreement has become a point of focus for U.S. interests in Ukraine, particularly in the context of defense and reconstruction.
President Trump has placed significant emphasis on this deal, asserting that America should be compensated for its substantial aid to Ukraine, totaling around $175 billion since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
In April, Svyrydenko traveled to Washington to sign an agreement with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. This agreement established the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, allowing America to share in the profits from new mineral and energy projects in Ukraine.
With Trump expressing frustration regarding progress on peace negotiations, Ukraine is poised to strengthen its agreements for weapons and other assistance from the White House. Recently, Trump announced plans to sell arms to NATO for retransfer to Ukraine, marking a notable commitment to the country’s defense since his presidency began in January.
In addition to these developments, Zelenskyy revealed that he and Trump have discussed a ‘mega deal’ that involves the United States purchasing Ukrainian-made drones for its own military use.
image source from：rferl
