Ukraine’s parliament approved Yulia Svyrydenko as prime minister on Thursday, marking the first leadership change in five years. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s cabinet overhaul aims to sharpen wartime governance as peace talks with Russia remain distant. Svyrydenko, 39, previously served as first deputy PM and is now tasked with ramping up domestic weapons production and stabilizing Ukraine’s economy, heavily reliant on foreign aid.
In a parliamentary address, Zelenskiy set a six-month deadline to increase Ukraine’s share of homemade battlefield weapons from 40% to 50%. He also emphasized deregulation and deeper economic ties with allies. Svyrydenko, echoing the urgency, declared on X: “War leaves no room for delay.” Her immediate goals include securing military supply chains and enhancing defense technology—a critical shift as Western support faces political hurdles.
Svyrydenko brings rare U.S. connections, having brokered a mineral-access deal with the Trump administration that strengthened Kyiv-Washington relations. Zelenskiy hinted at more such agreements but offered no specifics. Her technocratic background contrasts with the outgoing PM, Denys Shmyhal, whom Zelenskiy nominated as defense minister—a role pivotal for managing Ukraine’s strained frontline resources.
The sweeping changes reflect Ukraine’s preparation for a prolonged war. While Svyrydenko focuses on military-industrial growth and economic recovery, Shmyhal’s expected move to defense underscores Zelenskiy’s push for cohesive war management. As Russia intensifies attacks, the new team faces a daunting mission: sustaining resistance while laying groundwork for postwar stability. The world watches whether this reset can galvanize Ukraine’s defense—and its future.