On July 18, 2025, Ukraine’s parliament appointed Yulia Svyrydenko as the country’s first new prime minister in five years, aiming to enhance wartime management amid declining peace prospects with Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky tasked the 39-year-old technocrat with increasing domestic weapons production and reviving the loan-dependent economy. Svyrydenko, who has served as First Deputy Prime Minister since 2021, pledged swift action. “War leaves no room for delay,” she wrote on X. Zelensky expects her government to raise the share of domestic weapons on the battlefield from 40% to 50% within six months. He also emphasised deregulation and expanded cooperation with allies.
Parliament has confirmed several key appointments. Denys Shmyhal, the former Prime Minister, will now serve as the Minister of Defence. Svitlana Hrynchuk has been appointed as the Minister of Energy. Oleksiy Sobolev takes on the role of Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture. Taras Kachka will assume the position of Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration.
The Government of Ukraine has been renewed, and starting today, government officials should begin implementing the tasks that have been set. I thank all the Members of Parliament who supported the candidacies of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, and ministers.…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 17, 2025Shmyhal described the team as “time-tested,” ready for new tasks. Zelensky highlighted priorities such as boosting weapons production and economic partnerships, including further U.S. deals. Svyrydenko, known for negotiating U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, aims to conduct a comprehensive public finance audit to save funds, accelerate privatisations, and support entrepreneurs.
Svyrydenko assumes office as Russian forces advance on a 1,000-kilometer front and intensify airstrikes. Ukraine relies on its emerging defence industry, fueled by foreign investment, to counter Russia’s superior arms. The government must secure funding to cover a $19 billion budget deficit next year, as foreign aid is expected to wane.
Opposition lawmakers express scepticism about independence from Zelensky’s administration, which holds extensive wartime powers. Yaroslav Zheleznyak from the Holos party remarked: “They will be told by the president’s office what they should really do.”
