Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has put forward First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko as his choice to lead a new government, signalling a potential shake-up in leadership amid ongoing challenges in the country’s war with Russia.

The proposed appointment, which still requires approval from parliament, comes at a time when peace talks have stalled and Ukraine faces the dual challenge of bolstering its struggling economy and ramping up domestic weapons manufacturing.

Zelenskyy announced the move on social media, saying he and Svyrydenko had discussed ways to enhance the country’s economic capabilities, broaden support for citizens, and increase production within Ukraine’s defence sector. He emphasised that this marks the beginning of a broader restructuring of the executive branch and a renewed effort to modernise the government’s work.

Svyrydenko, 39, an economist by profession, has served in her current role since 2021 and has been involved in key international negotiations, including a recent agreement on minerals with the United States.

As much of Ukraine’s budget is directed toward military needs, the country depends heavily on financial assistance from Western partners to maintain social and humanitarian services. Ukrainian leaders have also appealed to allied nations to support the expansion of Ukraine’s defence industry, including through collaborative military projects.

In her own remarks online, Svyrydenko outlined her priorities, which include reducing red tape, limiting non-essential government spending, and creating a more favourable environment for businesses—all aimed at focusing the nation’s resources on defence and long-term recovery. She stressed that Ukraine must not squander its potential and deserves to stand among Europe’s leading economies.

Current Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has held the position since March 2020, making him the longest-serving premier since Ukraine’s independence following the breakup of the Soviet Union.