Zelensky Nominates Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko as Ukraine’s Next Prime Minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Monday that he has nominated Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko to become the country’s new Prime Minister, signaling a major political reshuffle amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

Svyrydenko, 39, has gained significant recognition this year for her leadership during complex negotiations with the United States over a rare minerals deal, which briefly strained relations with Ukraine’s key military ally.

“If approved, Svyrydenko will replace Denys Shmygal as head of government,” Zelensky said in a social media post, which included a photo of him alongside the minister.

“I have proposed that Yuliia Svyrydenko lead the government of Ukraine and significantly renew its work. I look forward to the presentation of the new government’s action plan in the near future,” he added.

Svyrydenko, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, took over the economy portfolio just months before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. She is seen as part of a younger, reform-oriented generation of Ukrainian leaders, contrasting sharply with the Soviet-era political elite in neighboring Russia.

Her appointment must be approved by the Ukrainian parliament, which has remained largely unified behind Zelensky since the war began—making her confirmation highly likely.