Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed former economy minister Yulia Svyrydenko as the country’s new prime minister, marking a key leadership shift aimed at boosting Ukraine’s defense and diplomacy amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Svyrydenko, 39, becomes the first new head of government since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. She has played a prominent role in Ukraine’s international negotiations, including leading a recent mineral partnership deal with the United States — a move seen as crucial in aligning U.S. economic interests with Ukraine’s long-term security.

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The appointment comes just days after a major U.S. weapons deal was announced, with support from President Donald Trump. In her first remarks after parliamentary approval, Svyrydenko emphasized urgency. “War leaves no room for delay,” she said on X. “Our top priorities are ensuring army supply lines, expanding domestic weapons production, and strengthening our defense technology.”

Outgoing prime minister Denys Shmyhal will now serve as Ukraine’s defense minister, replacing Rustem Umerov, whose tenure was criticized for inefficiency despite efforts at reform. Shmyhal, who led the government since March 2020, was Ukraine’s longest-serving prime minister.

The reshuffle is part of a broader leadership update, though Zelenskyy is largely retaining his core team. He also named former European integration minister Olga Stefanishyna as special representative for U.S. cooperation and nominated her to be Ukraine’s next ambassador to Washington, replacing Oksana Markarova.

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Zelenskyy acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining global focus on Ukraine amid rising international conflicts. “We all want peace,” he said in a speech to parliament. “But the world’s attention is scattered. Ukraine must rely more on its own strength.”
 
 Source: Agency