Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a major government reshuffle on Thursday, aiming to revitalize the nation’s war effort and bolster domestic weapons production amid Russia’s ongoing invasion, now in its fourth year. The centerpiece of the shake-up is the nomination of Yuliia Svyrydenko, currently First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister, as the new prime minister, replacing Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s longest-serving head of government since 2020. Shmyhal, in turn, is slated to become defense minister, succeeding Rustem Umerov, who faced criticism for mismanagement despite reform efforts.

Svyrydenko, 39, is a trusted ally known for her role in securing a critical U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal and representing Kyiv in high-level talks with Western partners. Her priorities, outlined by Zelenskyy, include ramping up domestic drone and weapons production, streamlining regulations, and expanding social support programs. “We need to unlock Ukraine’s economic potential and fully contract all types of drones for our defense forces,” Zelenskyy said on X, alongside a photo with Svyrydenko and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Shmyhal, who resigned on Tuesday after over five years as prime minister, will take on the defense portfolio, which commands one of Ukraine’s largest budgets. Analysts note that both Svyrydenko and Shmyhal are loyal to Zelenskyy, suggesting continuity rather than a drastic shift in policy. The reshuffle, awaiting parliamentary approval, comes as Ukraine faces battlefield setbacks and escalating Russian attacks, with Svyrydenko’s economic expertise seen as key to sustaining the war-torn nation’s resilience.

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