Fri Jul 18 03:24:18 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Ukraine has undergone a major government reshuffle, the largest since the Russian invasion. Yulia Svyrydenko has been appointed Prime Minister, replacing Denys Shmyhal, who will now serve as Defence Minister. Svyrydenko, formerly First Deputy Prime Minister, plans to focus on bolstering domestic weapons production and strengthening the economy. Other key changes include Olga Stefanishyna becoming the ambassador to the US, replacing Oksana Markarova. Oleksiy Sobolev and Taras Kachka have been appointed as Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture and Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, respectively. Some critics suggest the reshuffle maintains the same power structure and strengthens Zelenskyy’s control.
**News Article:**
**Ukraine Appoints New Prime Minister in Major Government Shakeup**
Kyiv, Ukraine – In a sweeping government reshuffle, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Yulia Svyrydenko as the new Prime Minister, marking the most significant leadership change since the Russian invasion three years ago. Svyrydenko, 39, previously served as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade.
Svyrydenko succeeds Denys Shmyhal, who held the position since 2020 and will now take on the role of Defence Minister. Her confirmation by parliament on Thursday signals a shift in priorities, with Svyrydenko vowing to focus on expanding Ukraine’s domestic weapons production and strengthening its economy amidst the ongoing conflict.
“Our Government sets its course toward a Ukraine that stands firm on its own foundations – military, economic, and social,” Svyrydenko stated on social media. “My key goal is real, positive results that every Ukrainian will feel in daily life. War leaves no room for delay. We must act swiftly and decisively.”
The reshuffle also sees Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha retaining his position, while outgoing Justice Minister Olga Stefanishyna has been named as the next ambassador to the US, pending US approval. Stefanishyna, known for her experience with the EU and NATO, played a role in negotiating a recent critical mineral deal with the Trump administration. She replaces Oksana Markarova who had a positive relationship with the Biden administration,
Other key appointments include Oleksiy Sobolev as Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture and Taras Kachka as Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration.
While the government shakeup introduces new faces, critics argue that the changes represent a consolidation of power by President Zelenskyy, who they accuse of filling key positions with loyalists. The long-term impact of these changes on Ukraine’s war efforts and its international relations remains to be seen.
First Piper 