Key facts
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed Yuliia Svyrydenko as the next Prime Minister of Ukraine.
- Svyrydenko currently serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development.
- The proposed changes are part of a major government reshuffle amid the war with Russia.
- Key priorities for the new government will include economic strengthening and increased weapons production.
- Denys Shmyhal, the current Prime Minister, is expected to be replaced.
- Rustem Umerov is slated to become Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has put forward Yuliia Svyrydenko, the current Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development, to lead the government, signaling a significant reshuffle of the country's top leadership. Zelenskyy announced on social media that he had proposed Svyrydenko to head the government and implement a renewed work plan, emphasizing priorities such as strengthening the economy, expanding social support, and scaling up domestic weapons production.
Svyrydenko, a close ally of Zelenskyy, has been instrumental in key economic initiatives, including a controversial Ukraine-U.S. mineral deal. If confirmed by the Ukrainian parliament, she would succeed Denys Shmyhal, who has served as Prime Minister since March 2020 and is reportedly being considered for the defense minister role. The proposed changes come as Ukraine continues to navigate its defense against Russia's invasion.
In related moves, Zelenskyy also announced his intention to appoint current Defense Minister Rustem Umerov as Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S. The government changes are anticipated to occur within the week, though some opposition figures have voiced concerns regarding the presidential office's dominant role in these appointments. Svyrydenko would be the first woman to hold the position of Prime Minister in Ukraine.