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 secure majority in favor of Yuliia Svyrydenko becoming the country's new prime minister Svyrydenko last month negotiated a major U S Ukraine minerals and resources framework with U S Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Zelenskyy declared earlier this week that he proposed that Svyrydenko who previously served as market minister and one of Ukraine's deputy prime ministers since November lead the leadership as he initiated a transformation of the executive branch in Ukraine He shared a photo of them together and disclosed they discussed concrete measures to boost Ukraine s economic expected 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 the bulk considerable Ukrainian authorities 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 explained by the president's office what they should really do Yaroslav Zheleznyak of the Holos party informed Reuters arguing the new regime would be indebted to Zelenskyy who has substantial wartime powers under the constitution Svyrydenko will replace outgoing Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal the longest-serving head of executive 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 mentioned 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 developing role on the international stage critics disclosed 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 moves of the renewed Governing body 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 foreseen 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 Governing body 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 authorities 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 published citing posts from a handful of lawmakers including Yaroslav Zheleznyak who posted a photo of the electronic voting table The table evidenced lawmakers voted against Svyrydenko and abstained The Ukrainian parliament does not broadcast sessions during wartime according to Reuters The Associated Press contributed to this account