Kyiv (Ukraine) –  Yulia Svyrydenko has officially become Ukraine’s 19th Prime Minister, marking a major political shift amid the ongoing war with Russia. The 39-year-old economist was approved by Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, on July 17, just three days after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy nominated her.

Yulia Svyrydenko: Historic Appointment in Wartime Ukraine

Svyrydenko is the first woman to lead Ukraine’s government during wartime. She replaces Denys Shmyhal, the longest-serving prime minister in Ukraine’s history. Shmyhal served for over five years, resigning amid a broader cabinet reshuffle aimed at revitalizing Ukraine’s economy and military strategy.

The vote to confirm Svyrydenko passed with 262 lawmakers in favor — far above the 226 required.

Yulia Svyrydenko: A Calm Technocrat at a Time of Crisis

Unlike her predecessor, Svyrydenko is known for her technocratic approach rather than political populism. Born in Chernihiv on December 25, 1985, she studied antitrust management at Kyiv’s State University of Trade and Economics. She began her career in the private sector before entering public service in 2011.

Her experience includes roles in regional economic development and international negotiations. She has advised on policy in China and later became a key player in Ukraine’s post-invasion recovery.

Yulia Svyrydenko: Focus on Domestic Weapons and Economic Revival

In her first speech, Svyrydenko pledged to boost Ukraine’s domestic weapons production from 40% to 50% within six months. She also vowed to address the country’s $19 billion fiscal gap, speed up EU integration, and push economic reforms such as deregulation and privatization.

“Our government sets its course toward a Ukraine that stands firm on its own foundations – military, economic, and social,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“War leaves no room for delay. We must act swiftly and decisively.”

Yulia Svyrydenko: Ties with the U.S. and the West Strengthened

Svyrydenko is already known to U.S. officials, particularly for her work in negotiating a critical mineral agreement with the Trump administration, which helped stabilize Kyiv-Washington ties. In 2022, she was instrumental in launching the U.S.-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund and recently secured €11 billion in recovery pledges from Western partners during a summit in Rome.

Shmyhal’s New Role Expected in Defense

Denys Shmyhal resigned from his post on July 17. His departure was approved by 261 lawmakers. He is expected to become Ukraine’s next defense minister, replacing Rustem Umerov, who may become Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States.

What Comes Next for Ukraine

As Svyrydenko takes charge, her administration faces critical challenges:

• Rebuilding war-torn infrastructure 
  
• Managing a loan-dependent economy 
  
• Increasing defense production 
  
• Enhancing international partnerships 
  

Her leadership comes at a time when Ukraine must balance military urgency with economic reform and public trust.

Ukrainian parliament- Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

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