Ukraine’s wartime leadership is undergoing another round of changes after Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko resigned on Sunday, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had proposed a “new, important” post for her amid a wider reshaping of his administration during the war with Russia.
Svyrydenko confirmed her departure in a social media statement, saying she was “proud to have had the honor of leading the government during one of the most difficult periods in Ukraine’s modern history.” She added that she had spoken with Zelenskyy about “next steps,” but did not reveal what role she may take on next.
“I remain ready to serve the Ukrainian state and carry out every task aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position, defending our national interests and bringing a just peace closer,” Svyrydenko wrote.
Zelenskyy, who has continued in office under martial law as elections are barred during wartime, presented the resignation as one element of a broader adjustment in how Ukraine’s government will operate.
“Ukraine is changing its political strategy,” Zelenskyy said in a social media post, noting that he had asked Svyrydenko to take charge of “a new, important area” tied to Ukraine’s relationship with a key international partner.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is seen during a session of Ukraine’s parliament in Kyiv on July 17, 2025. (Reuters/Andrii Nesterenko/File Photo)
According to the Ukrainian president, major foreign policy portfolios will be assigned to seasoned officials tasked with implementing agreements made with international leaders and promoting the interests of Ukrainians. Zelenskyy also signaled upcoming changes at the highest levels of the country’s law enforcement agencies, though he did not immediately offer specifics.
The shake-up represents the fourth significant restructuring of Zelenskyy’s government since Russia began its full-scale invasion, underscoring his continued effort to refresh Ukraine’s wartime leadership and maintain political momentum.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko visit the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, which was hit during Russian missile and drone strikes, in Kyiv, Ukraine, June 15, 2026. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters)
Svyrydenko, who previously served as Ukraine’s economy minister, was appointed prime minister in July 2025 at age 39 after playing a key role in negotiating a minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States. The deal was widely viewed as a way to strengthen U.S. economic interests in Ukraine while reinforcing Washington’s long-term commitment to the country’s security.
President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at a press conference after meetings with the heads of the EU and Ireland, in Dublin on July 1, 2026. (Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images)
Following the announcement, Zelenskyy met with several senior officials, including Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, signaling that additional changes to his government could be forthcoming.
