Ukraine appoints Yulia Svyrydenko as prime minister in a major wartime cabinet reshuffle. New government aims to boost weapons production, stabilize the economy, and finalize a major drone deal with the U.S.
Ukraine’s parliament has appointed Yulia Svyrydenko as the country’s new prime minister, marking the most significant leadership shake-up since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The move is part of a broader wartime cabinet overhaul aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense capacity, strengthening ties with Western allies, and reviving the war-battered economy.
Svyrydenko, 39, an experienced technocrat and former first deputy prime minister, replaces Denys Shmyhal, who was simultaneously appointed as Minister of Defence, a shift underscoring the increasing fusion of governance and military strategy in Ukraine’s wartime administration.
New Government, New Mandate
In an address to parliament on Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said the new government would be tasked with rapidly expanding Ukraine’s domestic arms production—raising its share of battlefield weapons from 40% to 50% within six months—and tackling a looming $19 billion budget deficit as foreign aid declines.
“War leaves no room for delay,” Svyrydenko wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Our priorities for the first six months are clear: reliable supply for the army, expansion of domestic weapons production, and boosting the technological strength of our defense forces.”
In addition to defense sector growth, Zelensky emphasized deregulation and expanded economic cooperation with allies as key objectives.
Key Appointments: A War Cabinet in Action
- Yulia Svyrydenko – Prime Minister
- Denys Shmyhal – Defence Minister
- Svitlana Hrynchuk – Energy Minister
- Oleksiy Sobolev – Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture
- Taras Kachka – Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration
Shmyhal, Ukraine’s longest-serving head of government, described the reshuffled team as “time-tested,” stating that “ahead are new tasks, challenges, and a high level of responsibility.”
Drone Deal with U.S. in the Works
Svyrydenko’s leadership comes as Zelensky also seeks to deepen military-industrial ties with the United States, including a proposed “drone mega-deal” with former President Donald Trump.
In an interview with The New York Post, Zelensky revealed that Kyiv and Washington are exploring a mutual agreement: the U.S. would purchase Ukrainian battlefield-tested drones, while Ukraine would buy American-made weapons in return.
“The people of America need this technology, and you need to have it in your arsenal,” Zelensky said. “We will be ready to share this experience with America and other European partners.”
Ukrainian drones have become a strategic asset, capable of striking Russian targets up to 1,300 kilometers away. U.S. military planners have taken note, with next year’s U.S. national security budget increasing funds for small drone procurement, citing lessons from Ukraine.
Economic Strain and Political Scrutiny
The new government inherits a daunting economic landscape: a costly war effort, reduced international aid, and limited fiscal space. Svyrydenko has vowed to launch a full audit of public finances, implement large-scale privatizations, and increase support for entrepreneurs to keep the economy afloat.
Yet political tensions remain. Some opposition lawmakers question whether the new cabinet can operate independently from the president’s office.
“They will be told by the president’s office what they should really do,” wrote opposition MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak of the Holos party.
Looking Ahead
With over 1,000 kilometers of active front line, continued Russian airstrikes, and strained resources, Ukraine’s survival depends not only on battlefield resilience but also on the ability to manage its wartime economy, build alliances, and modernize its defense capabilities. Svyrydenko’s tenure could mark a turning point—if her administration can deliver under extraordinary pressure.
