In a significant development, Ukraine’s wartime government is undergoing another transformation following the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on Sunday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed plans to appoint her to a “new, important” position as he continues to restructure his administration amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Svyrydenko took to social media to announce her departure, expressing pride in having led the government through one of the most challenging times Ukraine has faced in recent history. While she shared that she had discussed her future with President Zelenskyy, she stopped short of specifying her next role.
“I am prepared to continue serving the Ukrainian state by undertaking any assignment that will enhance our national position, protect our interests, and work towards a fair peace,” Svyrydenko stated.
Remaining in power under martial law, President Zelenskyy characterized Svyrydenko’s resignation as a component of a larger shift in Ukraine’s governmental approach while wartime elections remain on hold.
In a social media update, Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine is adopting a new political direction. He has extended an offer to Svyrydenko to assume leadership in “a new, important area” concerning Ukraine’s diplomatic relations with a vital international partner.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko attends a session of the Ukrainian parliament, in Kyiv, July 17, 2025. (Reuters/Andrii Nesterenko/File Photo)
The Ukrainian president said each major area of foreign policy would be assigned to an experienced official responsible for carrying out agreements reached with foreign leaders and advancing the interests of the Ukrainian people. He also announced planned changes to the country’s top law enforcement leadership, though he did not immediately provide additional details.
The reshuffle marks the fourth major reorganization of Zelenskyy’s government since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reflecting the president’s repeated efforts to inject new momentum into his wartime administration.
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.