Europe Asia News

President Zelensky nominated the current Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Yulia Svyrydenko, for the role of Prime Minister. Denys Shmyhal, who had served in the role since 2020, has resigned. Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has not yet approved Svyrydenko’s nomination.

Announcing her nomination, Zelensky wrote: “Today I met with Yulia Svyrydenko. I proposed that she lead the Ukrainian government and continue her work with the extensive experience she has gained as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy in supporting Ukrainian production and innovation.”

However, Zelensky clarified that Shmyhal will not leave the country but will instead be appointed as Ukraine’s new Defense Minister. He stated that Shmyhal’s experience would be valuable in the defense ministry, which currently bears the greatest responsibility.

Svyrydenko is believed to have played a key role in reaching an agreement with the U.S. government regarding the exploitation of Ukraine’s mineral resources. That agreement has become one of the conditions for continued U.S. support for Ukraine in the war against Russia.