Who Is Yulia Svyrydenko, the economist named by Zelenskyy as Ukraine’s next PM?

Kyiv/New Delhi: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has nominated Yulia Svyrydenko as the next Prime Minister of Ukraine. At 39, Svyrydenko currently serves as the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy. Her appointment, pending parliamentary approval, is expected to be a formality due to Zelenskyy’s firm control in the legislature.

Second woman to hold the post

Once confirmed, Svyrydenko will become only the second woman to serve as Prime Minister of Ukraine, following Yulia Tymoshenko, who held the post in 2005 and from 2007 to 2010.

Her elevation comes at a crucial time for Ukraine, which is continuing to navigate a full-scale war with Russia while trying to stabilise its economy and strengthen international alliances.

Central figure in wartime negotiations

An economist by training, Svyrydenko has played a key role in leading Ukraine’s economic strategy during the war. She has overseen major negotiations with international partners, including the United States and the European Union.

Earlier this year, she led talks with the Trump administration over a critical minerals deal. Initial drafts heavily favoured the US, but Svyrydenko is credited with securing more balanced terms for Ukraine. According to former economy minister Tymofiy Mylovanov, she was “the key and the only person leading these negotiations” and helped prevent the deal from falling apart.

In addition to international trade and economic cooperation, she has been actively involved in Ukraine’s defence-industrial development -- a rapidly growing sector since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Early years

Born on December 25, 1985, in Chernihiv, northern Ukraine, Svyrydenko began her career in the private sector after graduating with honours from the Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics in 2008.

Her entry into public service came in 2015 when she was appointed an adviser to the Chernihiv regional government. She quickly rose through the ranks, later serving as head of the Regional Department of Economic Development and, by 2017, as First Deputy Governor.

During her tenure in Chernihiv, she attracted over $340 million in foreign investment, making the region the leader in investment growth across Ukraine.

Trusted member of Zelenskyy’s inner circle

Svyrydenko joined the federal government in 2019 as Deputy Minister for Economy and was promoted the following year to First Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture. Later in 2020, she was appointed Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

In 2021, just months before the full-scale Russian invasion, Zelenskyy named her First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy -- roles in which she has been central to managing Ukraine’s war economy and recovery efforts.