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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Monday that he is recommending Yuliia Svyrydenko, the current economy minister, to become the country’s next prime minister.
This move signals a significant political shakeup more than three years into Russia’s devastating invasion.
Zelensky posted on social media, “I have proposed that Yuliia Svyrydenko lead the government of Ukraine and significantly renew its work,” adding that he looks forward to the new government’s action plan.
If approved by parliament, Svyrydenko, 39, would replace Denys Shmygal, who has served as prime minister since 2020.
Priorities and Broader Reshuffle Expected
Svyrydenko, who gained prominence earlier this year during sensitive negotiations with the United States regarding a rare minerals deal, stated that Ukraine faces a “crucial time.”
Credit: Time Magazine
She outlined her priorities as strengthening Ukraine’s economy, expanding domestic support programs, and increasing weapons production.
Ukraine’s economy has been severely damaged by the conflict, making the country heavily reliant on substantial Western financial aid.
The proposed change is anticipated to lead to a broader government reshuffle. Tymofiy Mylovanov, a former economy minister who worked with Svyrydenko, suggested that the government needs a change because “people are exhausted.”
The upcoming shifts would likely bring “a sort of freshness” after years of war.
Zelensky also recently mentioned considering Defence Minister Rustem Umerov as Ukraine’s next ambassador to Washington, following discussions over the weekend about improving dynamics with the US and enhancing defence sector management.
Svyrydenko, currently also a deputy prime minister, was appointed to manage Ukraine’s economy months before the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Her appointment as prime minister is expected to be approved by parliament, which has largely supported Zelensky since the conflict began.
