Ukrainian Parliament confirms Svyrydenko as new Prime Minister

MP Oleksiy Honcharenko reported that the Verkhovna Rada supported the appointment of Yulia Svyrydenko as Prime Minister, with 262 votes in favor, including 201 from Servant of the People party.

European Solidarity gave zero votes, Holos — 1, Restoration of Ukraine — 10, For the Future — 12, and Dovira — 15.

Zelenskyy outlines expectations for new government

Ahead of the vote, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed lawmakers, thanking the outgoing government led by Denys Shmyhal as well as MPs who had supported the Cabinet’s work throughout the past years.

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine now “needs more of its own strength” and called on the renewed government to review all existing defense agreements, production partnerships, and resilience programs to ensure 100% implementation in Ukraine’s national interest.

“There will be new agreements with the United States that will strengthen Ukraine’s position,” Zelenskyy said. “These require changes in how we conduct diplomatic work with America. We must guarantee our defenders confidence in the supply of resources to the Defense Forces. To do this, we are also increasing Ukraine’s internal economic potential.”

According to Zelenskyy, achieving this goal depends on three key principles:

1. Maximum deregulation – eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and redundant institutions.
2. Unlocking the strength of Ukrainian society – and leveraging partner support to boost economic growth.
3. Justice – applying tougher measures against those who undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty or steal national resources.

Zelenskyy believes the new Cabinet and the entire government system must deliver on these priorities. He also expects the new government to present its action plan swiftly and implement it through daily efforts.

“Every day must bring results for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said. “The Defense and Security Forces will continue receiving all necessary resources to protect our country and our people. We will strengthen diplomatic efforts to achieve a just end to the war and real security guarantees for Ukraine. Digitalization of state services will continue as well.”

The president also emphasized the need for a more concrete policy to support war heroes, veterans, and the families of Ukrainian soldiers, and a more realistic and structured approach to Ukraine’s social policy.

“We are already working with the government, our diplomats, and the National Security and Defense Council to prepare a new level of defense cooperation with key partners. Ukraine will become one of the world’s top security donors and weapons producers,” Zelenskyy added.

How the appointment unfolded

Earlier, MP Oleksandr Kachura said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted the motion for Svyrydenko’s appointment.

On the morning of July 17, the Rada Committee on Organization of State Power reviewed the motion. MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said the committee backed Svyrydenko’s appointment with 16 votes in favor and 4 abstentions.

Zhelezniak also noted that the Rada would later consider the prime minister’s appointment, government composition, the foreign and defense ministries, and possibly the government’s action program.

• On Wednesday, July 16, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted documents to the Verkhovna Rada to appoint Denys Shmyhal as the country’s new Minister of Defense.