Ukraine's parliament on 17/7 appointed 39-year-old Yulia Svyrydenko as prime minister, succeeding Denys Shmyhal, in the largest government reshuffle since the conflict began.

Two days prior, Shmyhal submitted his resignation, paving the way for President Volodymyr Zelensky's recently announced government reshuffle plan. Under this plan, Shmyhal will become the defense minister in the new cabinet. Zelensky's Servant of the People party holds a majority in parliament and is expected to swiftly endorse this decision.

This marks Ukraine's most extensive government reshuffle since the conflict with Russia erupted in late 2/2022. Russian forces continue their offensive in eastern Ukraine, while the prospect of a ceasefire remains dim.

President Zelensky outlined key tasks for the new government, including boosting domestic arms production and implementing reforms to unlock economic potential. Observers suggest Zelensky's personnel changes also aim to improve relations with the US, given the recent unpredictability of the Trump administration's stance on the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome, Italy on 10/6. Photo: AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome, Italy on 10/6. Photo: AFP

Svyrydenko, an economist, has served as Ukraine's deputy prime minister since 2021. Her role gained prominence this year through tense negotiations over the Ukraine-US mineral agreement. This agreement also helped mend a bilateral rift following a heated exchange at the White House between Zelensky and Trump.

Zelensky's choice of Svyrydenko as prime minister sends a message to Trump that "cooperation with the US is crucial for Ukraine, and the mineral agreement with Washington is a top priority," political analyst Mykola Davydiuk told the Washington Post.

According to Davydiuk, Zelensky's message is: "Look, the person who signed the agreement with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a star in the financial world, is now Ukraine's new prime minister."

Volodymyr Fesenko, director of the Penta Center for Political Studies in Kyiv, noted that Svyrydenko's appointment to replace Shmyhal had been rumored for at least a year, and "the US factor played a decisive role."

Zelensky announced the cabinet reshuffle on 14/7, immediately after Trump issued an ultimatum demanding Russia resolve the Ukraine conflict within 50 days or face further sanctions. This represents the most decisive move on military support for Ukraine by the US president since taking office.

"Svyrydenko performed exceptionally well in negotiating the strategic mineral agreement with the US," Fesenko said. "This success was acknowledged by President Zelensky and his close advisors."

Svyrydenko is expected to continue addressing economic matters with the Trump administration, while Zelensky and his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, will handle security issues. The strong working relationship between Svyrydenko and Bessent is "a strategic asset," Fesenko added.

In a post on X after her appointment, the new Ukrainian prime minister pledged swift and decisive action. Her 6-month goals include establishing reliable arms supplies, enhancing the military's technological capabilities, and expanding domestic arms production.

Economically, Prime Minister Svyrydenko aims to fully support Ukrainian businesses. She announced a comprehensive audit of public spending, emphasizing real savings and stating that "there will be no political favoritism, only numbers and tangible results."

Zelensky also appears to be seeking favor with the Trump administration by intending to replace Ukraine's ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, who has held the position since 2/2021.

Republican lawmakers have criticized Markarova for displaying partisan views while working in the US. In 9/2024, House Speaker Mike Johnson attacked Markarova for organizing Zelensky's visit with Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, to a Pennsylvania arms factory without inviting any Republican lawmakers.

Zelensky reportedly mentioned replacing Ambassador Markarova during a phone call with Trump earlier this month. Last week, he announced current Defense Minister Rustem Umerov as the leading candidate for the position.

Zelensky's team is using all communication channels to reach the Trump administration, according to a former high-ranking Ukrainian official. "I believe the new ambassador, the new prime minister, and the new government are all part of this plan."

President Zelensky believes Shmyhal's government experience "will be beneficial for the position of defense minister." The Ukrainian leader described defense as the area where the country's resources, tasks, and responsibilities are most concentrated.

Shmyhal, 49, graduated from Lviv Polytechnic National University with a degree in engineering and economics in 1997 and a doctorate in economics in 2003. He worked in the private sector before entering politics. In 2/2020, Shmyhal was appointed deputy prime minister and minister for the development of communities and territories of Ukraine, later becoming prime minister.

Ukrainian media reports that Zelensky is also considering other personnel changes, such as replacing Energy Minister German Galushchenko, and merging the ministries responsible for economy, agriculture, and ecology.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko in Kyiv on 14/7. Photo: AFP

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko in Kyiv on 14/7. Photo: AFP

Former Ukrainian Economy Minister Tymofiy Mylovanov, now president of the Kyiv School of Economics, believes the cabinet changes could bring "a breath of fresh air" to Ukraine after over three years of conflict.

"The government needs a change, as the Ukrainian people are exhausted," Mylovanov told AFP. Ukraine's economy has been significantly devastated by the war, with Kyiv relying on tens of billions of USD in annual aid from the West to maintain operations.

Meanwhile, critics argue that the government reshuffle is largely symbolic, amounting to "a reshuffling of President Zelensky's allies," seemingly to further consolidate power.

"They are just switching seats," said Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a lawmaker from the opposition Holos party. "Promoting a deputy prime minister is unlikely to inspire Ukrainians about a new leadership team."

Nhu Tam (According to Reuters, Washington Post, AFP)