Ukraine's Zelenskyy names new prime minister for first time since Russia's war began

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy named a new prime minister for the first time since Russia invaded the eastern European nation more than three years ago Ukrainian lawmakers stated on social media Thursday that parliament had voted by a reassured majority in favor of Yuliia Svyrydenko becoming the country's new prime minister Svyrydenko last month negotiated a major U S Ukraine minerals and financing framework with U S Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Zelenskyy noted earlier this week that he proposed that Svyrydenko who previously served as financial market minister and one of Ukraine's deputy prime ministers since November lead the regime as he initiated a transformation of the executive branch in Ukraine He shared a photo of them together and noted they discussed concrete measures to boost Ukraine s economic probable expand endorsement programs for Ukrainians and scale up our domestic weapons production SENATE MAJORITY LEADER SAYS REPUBLICANS READY TO MOVE ON RUSSIA SANCTIONS BILL WHEN TRUMP GIVES GREEN LIGHTIt's the greater part notable Ukrainian cabinet restructuring since Russia invaded on Feb and is viewed by opposition lawmakers as a way for Zelenskyy to consolidate power Ukraine has been under martial law since the day after the invasion They will be reported by the president's office what they should really do Yaroslav Zheleznyak of the Holos party informed Reuters arguing the new executive would be indebted to Zelenskyy who has critical wartime powers under the constitution Svyrydenko will replace outgoing Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal the longest-serving head of governing body in Ukraine s history He held the position for more than five years after being appointed on March Shmyhal who met with U S Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellog this week after President Donald Trump approved the sale of more Patriot systems will take on a new role as Ukraine's defense minister according to the parliament's website European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meanwhile congratulated Svyrydenko and Shmyhal on their new roles We stand fully behind you as you fight for Ukraine s survival and work for your country s recovery and EU future she wrote to Svyrydenko For Shmyhal she declared Best wishes for your key new role as Defence Minister NATO JETS SCRAMBLED AMID RUSSIA'S LARGEST DRONE ATTACK ON UKRAINEThe defense ministry commands one of the largest budgets and carries critical importance because of the war Shmyhal will replace Rustem Umerov who although he sought to push reforms saw his tenure marked by internal turbulence and persistent dysfunction in Ukraine s defense procurement system Despite his functioning role on the international stage critics commented the ministry remained plagued by mismanagement On Tuesday Zelenskyy posted a photo from his meeting with Svyrydenko and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov We are preparing the initial initiatives of the renewed Leadership Zelenskyy wrote identifying the key priorities over the next six months as increasing domestic weapons production in Ukraine fully contracting the required volumes of all types of drones for Ukraine s Defense Forces carrying out substantial deregulation and unlocking our country s internal economic feasible and ensuring full implementation of social sponsorship programs for our people We defined the results that can be achieved within the first half-year of the new Administration s work Zelenskyy added Svyrydenko has frequently represented Ukraine in high-level talks with Western partners focusing on defense cooperation economic recovery and reconstruction Lawmakers and fellow functionaries describe her as a diligent executive with a reputation for loyalty to the presidential office according to the Associated Press Of the -seat parliament lawmakers voted in favor of Svyrydenko becoming prime minister Reuters announced citing posts from a handful of lawmakers including Yaroslav Zheleznyak who posted a photo of the electronic voting table The table proved lawmakers voted against Svyrydenko and abstained The Ukrainian parliament does not broadcast sessions during wartime according to Reuters The Associated Press contributed to this assessment