Ukraine Appoints Yulia Svyrydenko Prime Minister in Wartime Cabinet Reshuffle

Ukraine has appointed Yulia Svyrydenko as its new prime minister in a significant government reshuffle orchestrated by President Volodymyr Zelensky, aiming to inject fresh energy and strengthen diplomatic ties, especially with the United States. Svyrydenko, who is 39 and the country's second female prime minister, previously served as deputy prime minister and economy minister, playing a crucial role in negotiating a key rare earth mineral deal with the U.S. and securing billions in aid at the Ukraine Recovery Conference. Her appointment follows the resignation of Denys Shmyhal, who is set to become defense minister to help boost Ukraine's domestic weapons production amid ongoing conflict. Zelensky's cabinet reshuffle is designed to maintain continuity while emphasizing rapid economic growth, defense technology advancement, and stronger cooperation with Western allies, with Svyrydenko highlighting priorities such as reliable army supply and technological strengthening of defense forces. Despite these changes, the reshuffle is viewed domestically as a continuation of trusted leadership rather than a radical shift. U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed plans to increase European military support for Ukraine, aligning with the new government's goals of reinforcing defense capabilities and accelerating wartime recovery.