Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made major changes in his government, marking the largest leadership shift since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
The country’s parliament has confirmed Yulia Svyrydenko, 39, as the new prime minister, replacing Denys Shmyhal, who had served in the role since 2020.
Svyrydenko, who formerly held the posts of first deputy prime minister and minister of economic development and trade, now takes on leadership during a critical period.
Her previous work included close cooperation with U.S. officials and helped finalize a deal earlier this year involving Ukraine’s mineral exports.
The agreement helped repair strained ties between Kyiv and Washington during the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
As prime minister, Svyrydenko is expected to focus on increasing Ukraine’s domestic weapons output, boosting military readiness, and supporting the economy, which has faced major challenges during the ongoing war.
Alongside her appointment, other top government roles have shifted. The foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, will remain in office.
However, the outgoing justice minister, Olga Stefanishyna, 39, has been nominated to serve as Ukraine’s next ambassador to the United States.
She brings experience from working with NATO and the European Union and was involved in the same mineral agreement with the U.S.
Stefanishyna is set to replace Oksana Markarova, who had strained ties with the Trump administration due to her work with President Joe Biden’s team.
Earlier reports had suggested that Defence Minister Rustem Umerov might be sent to Washington as ambassador, but he was reportedly not approved by U.S. authorities, according to opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak.
Further appointments include Oleksiy Sobolev taking charge of the economy, environment, and agriculture ministry, and Taras Kachka stepping in as deputy prime minister for European integration.
Although the reshuffle introduces new leadership, some critics argue the changes mostly reflect internal loyalty rather than fresh perspectives.
They claim President Zelenskyy continues to centralize power by promoting close allies to top positions.