Ukraine names Yulia Svyrydenko as new prime minister

Yulia Anatoliivna Svyrydenko was confirmed as Ukraine’s 19th prime minister on 17 July 2025, following a sweeping government reshuffle orchestrated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Previously serving as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade since November 2021, the 39‑year‑old technocrat takes over from Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s longest‑serving PM, who transitions to the role of defence minister.

A technocrat with reform credentials

Born on 25 December 1985 in Chernihiv, Svyrydenko earned her degree in antimonopoly management from the Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics in 2008.

Her career trajectory includes roles as:

• Economist at a Ukrainian-Andorran joint venture (2008)
• Economic development head for Chernihiv Oblast (2015)
• Acting Governor of Chernihiv (July–Nov 2018)
• Deputy Head of the Presidential Office (Dec 2020–Nov 2021)
• First Deputy PM & Economy Minister (from Nov 2021)

During her time in government, she played a central role in negotiating a key U.S. minerals deal (April 2025) and led economic strategies amid wartime pressures.

Mandate: boost domestic arms production and fiscal reform

President Zelenskyy’s decision to appoint Svyrydenko is widely seen as proving his commitment to refresh wartime leadership and rally more efficient defense and economic policies. Svyrydenko inherits a dual challenge:

• Raise domestic arms production from around 40% to at least 50% of Ukraine’s battlefield requirements within six months.
• Close a projected $19 billion budget shortfall, while maintaining key reforms and attracting international support.

Parliamentary approval & political dynamics

Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada endorsed her nomination with 262 of 450 votes on 17 July. While pro‑government factions showed solid support, some opposition MPs criticized the reshuffle as centralizing power in the presidential office under martial law.

International leaders—including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—welcomed her appointment, highlighting the vital need to sustain international backing.

Summary

Yulia Svyrydenko’s rise underscores a broader shift in Ukraine’s wartime administration—prioritizing economic resilience, military self‑reliance, and tighter alignment with Western allies. Her early months in office will test her ability to deliver on ambitious production targets and fiscal stabilization in the face of intense conflict pressures.