New prime minister and reshuffle in the Cabinet: Ukraine has a ‘new’ government

Ukraine has seen its biggest Cabinet of Ministers since the start of the war, with a new prime minister, fewer ministries and major personnel changes. Find out who is in the new government and what challenges lie ahead for the Cabinet of Ministers

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On 17 July 2025, Ukraine officially entered a new phase of government transformation: the Verkhovna Rada approved the composition of the government with new key figures and structural changes. This is the first major reshuffle of the Cabinet since the start of the full-scale war. Denys Shmyhal, one of the longest-serving prime ministers in the country's history, has resigned.

New Prime Minister of Ukraine

Yulia Svyrydenko, who previously served as first deputy prime minister and minister of economy, has become the new prime minister. According to BBC Ukraine, she has close ties to the Office of the President, having served as Andriy Yermak's deputy in 2020–2021.

Observers emphasise that Svyrydenko is one of the loyal and trusted figures on whom the Bankova relies.

First Deputy Prime Minister

Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov has been promoted to First Deputy Prime Minister. He remains a key figure in the digitalisation of the state.

Ministry cuts: restructuring

The new Cabinet will be more compact. Some ministries have been abolished and their functions redistributed:

▪️ The Ministry of Strategic Industries has been disbanded and its military industry responsibilities transferred to the Ministry of Defence.

▪️ The Ministry of Economy has been expanded and absorbed the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

▪️ The Ministry of Economic Development has been abolished following a corruption scandal involving its head, Oleksiy Chernyshov.

Ministry of Defence

Former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal became Minister of Defence. The appointment of a financier and manager with no background in the military sparked controversy, but the president explained his choice with a specific task: to increase the share of Ukrainian weapons on the front lines to 50% within six months.

The Ministry of Defence now also oversees the defence industry, including control over the former assets of the Ministry of Strategic Industries and Ukroboronprom.

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Economic megablock

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade is once again becoming a super-department, with the ministries of agricultural policy and ecology integrated into it. The combined department is headed by Oleksiy Sobolev, former deputy minister of economy, developer of Prozorro.Sale and one of the most competent technocrats, according to experts.

However, agricultural associations have sharply criticised the merger, emphasising the importance of the agricultural sector for the economy and foreign exchange earnings.

European integration and foreign policy

Taras Kachka, an ally of Svyrydenko and an experienced negotiator with the EU, has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration. His arrival strengthens the ‘economic pool’ in the government.

Olga Stefanishyna is leaving the Cabinet and preparing to become Ukraine's new ambassador to the United States.

Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Energy and Social Policy

Lawyer Herman Galushchenko, who previously headed the Ministry of Energy, has become Minister of Justice. His place has been taken by Svitlana Grinchuk, who previously worked as a deputy in the same ministry and headed the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Financier Denys Ulyutin has been appointed head of the Ministry of Social Policy, replacing Oksana Zholnovych. The appointment has sparked a wave of criticism, especially from the relevant parliamentary committee.

Who remains in the Cabinet

The following remain in their posts:

🔻 Ihor Klymenko — Minister of Internal Affairs;

🔻 Serhiy Marchenko — Minister of Finance;

🔻 Oksen Lisovyi — Minister of Education;

🔻 Viktor Lyashko — Minister of Health;

🔻 Natalia Kalmykova — Minister for Veterans Affairs;

🔻 Matviy Bednyi — Minister of Youth and Sports;

🔻 Oleksiy Kuleba — Deputy Prime Minister for Regional Policy;

🔻 Andriy Sybiga — Minister of Foreign Affairs (supported by 271 votes in the Rada).

Reminder! Ukraine has joined the ranks of countries with the largest military budgets. Against the backdrop of the ongoing war, defence spending has risen to record levels, allowing the country to surpass many developed nations. Find out which countries topped the list and how the structure of global military spending changed in 2025.

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