The Ukrainian parliament confirmed Yuliia Svyrydenko as the new prime minister on July 17, following a significant shake-up in the government.
Svyrydenko, a 39-year-old economist who previously held the positions of first deputy prime minister and economy minister, was appointed by President Volodymyr Zelensky to succeed Denys Shmyhal after his five-year tenure.
She garnered support from 262 lawmakers with 22 voting against her and 26 abstaining, while the new government’s composition received approval from 254 legislators.
In a post on social media, Svyrydenko articulated her ambitions for the government: “Our government sets its course toward a Ukraine that stands firm on its own foundations—military, economic, and social. My key goal is real, positive results that every Ukrainian will feel in daily life.”
The announcement of Svyrydenko’s nomination came a day before, as the parliament formally dissolved Shmyhal’s cabinet.
This cabinet reshuffle occurs during a critical period as Ukraine continues to combat the ongoing full-scale invasion by Russia, while also navigating a complex relationship with its primary international ally, the United States.
On the same day, Shmyhal was appointed as defense minister, with 267 members voting in favor of his nomination to replace Rustem Umerov.
Shmyhal addressed parliament, pledging to ensure adequate equipment for Ukrainian forces and to enhance international partnerships. He also committed to auditing existing defense agreements with foreign allies.
Before the vote, President Zelensky expressed gratitude toward Shmyhal for his contributions and emphasized the need for a revised diplomatic strategy with Washington in light of forthcoming bilateral agreements.
Zelensky urged for a thorough review of all agreements with military supporters and the preparation for a new level of defense assistance, according to lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak.
In his remarks introducing Svyrydenko and the new government, Zelensky stated, “In order to fully implement all this, I am introducing Svyrydenko and the government. Thank you all.”
Additionally, Zelensky appointed Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna as the new special envoy to the U.S., a position she will occupy while her candidacy for ambassador is awaiting approval in Washington.
Stefanishyna’s role is considered pivotal as U.S.-Ukraine relations face a crucial moment, especially with President Donald Trump indicating potential “severe tariffs” on Russia unless a peace deal is reached within a 50-day timeframe.
Zelensky had previously announced that outgoing Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin would head Ukroboronprom, Ukraine’s leading state-owned defense corporation. As a result, the Strategic Industries Ministry will be disbanded, and its responsibilities shifted to the Defense Ministry.
In a reorganization of the new government, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov will take on the role of first deputy prime minister.
Oleksii Kuleba will continue as the deputy prime minister and minister for communities and territories.
The ministries of Economy, Ecology, and Agriculture will be consolidated into a single agency, led by Oleksii Sobolev, previously Svyrydenko’s deputy at the Economy Ministry.
Taras Kachka will step in as deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, succeeding Stefanishyna.
The Ministry of Social Policy will be renamed to incorporate family and unity, with Denys Uliutin, the former first deputy finance minister, appointed to lead it.
Svitlana Hrynchuk, previously ecology minister, will become the new energy minister, taking over from Herman Halushchenko, who will now head the Justice Ministry after facing parliamentary criticism regarding alleged corruption and mismanagement in the energy sector.
Other ministers including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, Veterans Affairs Minister Nataliia Kalmykova, Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi, Health Minister Viktor Liashko, and Youth and Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi will retain their positions. Sybiha was reappointed with 271 votes of approval.
Under Ukraine’s semi-presidential system, the president is responsible for nominating the prime minister, defense, and foreign ministers, all requiring parliamentary approval. The prime minister, in turn, recommends other ministerial candidates, who must also gain the legislature’s consent, which is currently dominated by Zelensky’s Servant of the People party.
image source from：kyivindependent
