In a decisive move, Ukraine’s parliament has officially approved the appointment of Yulia Svyrydenko as the country’s new Prime Minister.
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The 39-year-old economist was the sole nominee put forth by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reflecting his trust in her leadership capabilities.
During his address to parliament, President Zelensky expressed his expectations for the new government, stating, “In six months, I aim to increase the share of domestic weapons on our battlefield to 50% from the current 40%.” He emphasized the importance of deregulation and enhancing economic cooperation with allies as key objectives in this significant cabinet reshuffle, marking the largest since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Prior to this appointment, Ms. Svyrydenko served as the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy since 2021. She played a pivotal role in negotiating a vital minerals agreement with the United States in May, which established a joint fund for the extraction of essential Ukrainian minerals. This agreement was crucial in securing ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine.
Notably, just two months prior, relations between Ukraine and the U.S. had soured after a challenging meeting between President Zelensky and former President Donald Trump. The minerals deal arranged by Ms. Svyrydenko was perceived as significantly more beneficial for Ukraine than the initial proposal from the Trump administration, allowing Ukraine to retain control over its natural resources and infrastructure.
After the parliamentary vote, Ms. Svyrydenko took to X, stating, “War leaves no room for delay. We must act swiftly and decisively.” She outlined her priorities for the first six months: “We will ensure reliable supply for the army, expand domestic weapons production, and bolster the technological strength of our defense forces.”
Meanwhile, outgoing Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has concluded his five-year term following his resignation’s acceptance by parliament as part of this extensive cabinet reshuffle. President Zelensky has nominated Shmyhal for the role of Defense Minister, and current Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is expected to become Ukraine’s new ambassador to the U.S.
With her new role, Ms. Svyrydenko becomes the second female prime minister in Ukraine’s history, following Yulia Tymoshenko, who led two Ukrainian governments in the 2000s.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
