Ukraine’s government renewed under the leadership of Yulia Svyrydenko

Political life in Ukraine has become even more active: on July 17, the Verkhovna Rada approved the candidacy of 39-year-old Yulia Svyrydenko as the country’s prime minister, reports rbc.ru. A day earlier, the government headed by Denys Shmyhal announced its resignation.

Appointed as the new prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko presented her new government to parliament, and 253 deputies supported her candidacy. Based on the adopted decision, a number of ministries and their leaders were also officially confirmed in the country.

In the new composition, the following individuals were appointed to important positions: Mykhailo Fedorov — first deputy prime minister and minister of digital transformation, Oleksiy Kuleba — deputy prime minister for the restoration of the country and regional development. Also, Taras Kachka — for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, Matviy Bedny — minister for youth and sports, Herman Halushchenko — minister of justice, Svitlana Hrynchuk — minister of energy, Nataliya Kalmikova — minister for veterans’ affairs, Ihor Klymenko — minister of internal affairs, Oksen Lisovyi — minister of education and science, Viktor Lyashko — minister of health, Serhiy Marchenko — minister of finance, Oleksiy Sobolev — minister of economy and environment, Denys Ulyutin — minister of social policy, family and unity.

Another important change is that the composition of the Ministry of Defense was expanded, and the functions of the Ministry of Strategic Industries were added to it. Notably, today the head of “Ukroboronprom”, Herman Smetanin, was appointed to this direction.

President Volodymyr Zelensky set the new government the task of producing weapons independently and in cooperation, and to increase the share of domestic weapons on the battlefield to 50 percent. Currently, the share of Ukrainian weapons is 40 percent, but the head of state expects faster results.

For reference: according to Article 114 of the Constitution of Ukraine, heads of ministries — except for the ministers of defense and foreign affairs — are approved by the Verkhovna Rada on the recommendation of the prime minister. The other two positions are approved by a separate vote on the recommendation of the president. Andriy Sybiha retained his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Denys Shmyhal was proposed for the post of Minister of Defense.

The new government and the priorities set for it indicate the beginning of the next important stage in Ukraine’s political life. What results these changes will bring — time will tell. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!