Zelensky names Yulia Svyrydenko as Ukraine’s new prime minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has put forward First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko as Ukraine’s new prime minister, he said on July 14.

“I have proposed that Yulia 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,” Zelensky wrote on X.

The Ukrainian President’s Office effectively announced a coming Cabinet reshuffle on July 13. Following a meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Zelensky pledged a “transformation of the executive branch.” This was followed by reports in Ukrainian media that Svyrydenko would replace Shmyhal as head of government.

Shmyhal has served as Ukraine’s prime minister since March 2020, and no official announcement has been made regarding his resignation. However, according to Bloomberg, Zelensky discussed a possible replacement for Ukraine’s ambassador to Washington during a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, and Shmyhal was reportedly among the candidates considered for the post.

Zelensky previously confirmed that he plans to replace Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, who has held the post since 2021. He said the role could be filled by current Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Sources have told RBC-Ukraine and Suspilne that Shmyhal is expected to take over as Ukraine’s next defense minister.

For Svyrydenko to become the next prime minister, the Ukrainian parliament must first vote on Shmyhal’s resignation and then on her appointment.