Ukraine set for major political shakeup as Zelensky backs economy minister for PM role

In this handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on July 14, 2025, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) attends a meeting with Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko (R) in Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has nominated Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to become the country’s new prime minister, signalling a major political overhaul as Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of war and international diplomacy more than three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The announcement came on Monday via Zelensky’s official social media channels, where he emphasized the need to revitalise the government. "I have proposed that Yuliia Svyrydenko lead the government of Ukraine and significantly renew its work," Zelensky wrote, sharing a photo of the two together. "I look forward to the presentation of the new government's action plan in the near future."

Svyrydenko, 39, has been a key figure in Ukraine’s economic leadership, especially during a tense period earlier this year when talks over a critical rare minerals agreement with the United States nearly jeopardised Kyiv’s relationship with its most crucial military partner. Her leadership during those negotiations reportedly elevated her standing both at home and abroad.