The Verkhovna Rada approved the appointment of Yulia Svyrydenko as Prime Minister of Ukraine on 17 July 2025, marking the second time since 1991 that a woman held the office. Her tenure, which lasted until 2026, followed an extensive background in economic administration and regional governance within the Ukrainian state apparatus.
Early Career and Regional Governance
Born in Chernihiv in 1985, Svyrydenko completed her education at the State University of Trade and Economics by 2008, where she specialized in antimonopoly management. Her professional trajectory began in 2008 as an economist at a joint venture. She later served as the permanent representative of Chernihiv in Wuxi, China, before transitioning into regional civil service. In 2015, she became the head of the Department of Economic Development for Chernihiv Oblast, subsequently serving as the acting Governor of the region from July to November 2018.
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Svyrydenko joined the national government under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, initially serving in the Trilateral Contact Group and as Deputy Head of the Office of the President. In November 2021, the parliament appointed her as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy. In this capacity, she oversaw the Interagency Working Group on the Implementation of the State Sanctions Policy, coordinating with international partners such as the United Kingdom to influence external economic pressure campaigns.
Prime Ministerial Tenure and Resignation
Following a government reshuffle announced by President Zelenskyy in July 2025, Svyrydenko succeeded Denys Shmyhal as Prime Minister. Her administration faced scrutiny regarding policy outcomes and internal cabinet management. After exactly one year in the position, she submitted her resignation to the Verkhovna Rada. Observers noted that the departure occurred amid broader discussions regarding accountability for ongoing systemic corruption challenges within the government.
Financial and Professional Scrutiny
During her time in office, her financial disclosures drew public attention. In 2024, she reported earning over three million UAH for teaching at the Kyiv School of Economics. Critics, including public officials, cited potential conflicts of interest, noting that the school implemented grant programs while she concurrently led the Ministry of Economy. Throughout her career, she has maintained a profile in international recognition, including an appearance in the TIME100 Next list for her work regarding national resilience.
Fast facts
- Born: 1985, Chernihiv
- Education: State University of Trade and Economics
- Governor of Chernihiv Oblast: 2018
- Minister of Economy: 2021-2025
- First Deputy Prime Minister: 2021-2025
- Prime Minister of Ukraine: 2025-2026
- Award: UP100 Power of Women 2026
Questions readers ask
What official positions did Yulia Svyrydenko hold before becoming Prime Minister?
She served as the Governor of Chernihiv Oblast, Deputy Head of the Office of the President, First Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Economy.
Why did she resign from the position of Prime Minister?
She resigned in July 2026 after one year in office; while no single reason was officially finalized, reports indicated it followed failures to address corruption concerns.
Achievements
- First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine (2021–2025)
- Minister of Economy of Ukraine (2021–2025)
- Governor of Chernihiv Oblast (2018–2018)
- Prime Minister of Ukraine (2025–2026)
- Educated at State University of Trade and Economics
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