Monday, 25 May 2026
Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal attends a press conference, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, March 4, 2025. REUTERS
Ukrainian Prime Minister steps down amid government reshuffle
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has announced his resignation, marking the start of the country’s most significant wartime government reshuffle to date, according to Reuters.
On Monday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy nominated First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko—a trusted and long-time ally—to succeed Shmyhal. Having led the government since March 2020, Shmyhal is expected to assume the role of defense minister, Zelenskiy confirmed.
Ukraine’s parliament is scheduled to vote on Svyrydenko’s appointment later this week. Zelenskiy stated that he has already discussed the government’s top priorities for the next six months with her.
“We are preparing the first steps of the renewed government,” Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram, sharing a photo from their meeting in his office.
The president highlighted that ramping up domestic arms production and advancing reforms to unleash Ukraine’s economic potential would be central goals.
This sweeping reshuffle—the largest since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022—comes as Russian forces push further in eastern Ukraine and hopes for a swift ceasefire remain slim.
Despite local businesses adapting and substantial foreign aid from Western partners, Ukraine’s economy has yet to recover to pre-war levels.
Looking ahead to next year, the government faces the daunting challenge of funding a growing budget deficit, particularly as international assistance is expected to decline. Officials estimate that Ukraine will require roughly $40 billion in external financing in 2026.
Lawmakers said a parliamentary vote on the new government lineup is scheduled for Thursday.