War in Ukraine: Who is Yulia Svyrydenko, the economist on track to lead the government?

Yulia Svyrydenko , a key figure in the stormy negotiations for a minerals deal eventually reached with Washington, embodies a new generation of politicians guiding Ukraine through the turmoil of war.

At 39, she was chosen this Monday, July 14, 2025, by President Volodymyr Zelensky to become Prime Minister , an appointment which constitutes a major reshuffle, even if it still has to be approved by parliament.

Yulia Svyrydenko previously held the post of Minister of Economy , a struggling sector in Ukraine. She took office just a few months before the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Central role in negotiations with Washington

This business and economics graduate distinguished herself this year by playing a central role in negotiations with Washington over the exploitation of Ukraine's natural resources . The profound disagreements on this issue almost caused a split between Kiev and its main military ally.

The agreement was the focus of a dispute at the White House between Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, in front of the cameras of numerous media outlets and in front of stunned journalists.

But soon after, Yulia Svyrydenko traveled to Washington to conclude the agreement, seen in Ukraine as a way to appease the American president and ensure continued US support.

"She was the key figure and the only one to lead these negotiations . She managed to prevent them from collapsing," said Tymofii Mylovanov, a former Minister of Economy who worked with her.

Mr. Mylovanov, who now heads the Kyiv School of Economics, remembers her as a "very effective" person, who knows how to persuade while avoiding unnecessary confrontations. "She's a professional. She keeps her cool ," he told AFP.

"Emblematic of the resilience of the Ukrainian people"

If her nomination is confirmed, which appears likely given that parliament supports Volodymyr Zelensky, she will lead a government at a crucial time for the country. Ukraine is exhausted by three years of war and largely dependent on its Western allies for survival.

The prime minister generally has no influence over military strategy, which is the preserve of the president and the army command. But Yulia Svyrydenko, like Volodymyr Zelensky, is part of a younger generation of Ukrainian politicians guiding the country through the Russian invasion.

They offer a striking contrast to the aging elite that governs Russia according to patterns inherited from the Soviet era.

She was not yet 30 when Russia orchestrated an uprising against Ukrainian authorities in the east of the country, triggering a conflict in 2014.

His home region of Chernihiv, which borders Russia and Belarus , was briefly occupied by Russian troops at the start of the invasion in 2022.

In 2023, Gina Raimondo, then Secretary of Commerce, said Svyrydenko was "emblematic of the resilience of the Ukrainian people." "With young, smart, and determined leaders like her, Ukraine's post-war future is brighter than ever," she wrote in Time Magazine .

In her occasional public appearances, Yulia Svyrydenko maintains a low profile but speaks with confidence. She quickly rose through the ranks of the civil service, after a detour through the private sector.

She held several local positions in the Chernihiv region before joining the presidential administration in 2020. Less than a year later, she was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy.

According to Ukrainian media, Yulia Svyrydenko has long harbored political ambitions. However, according to the business outlet RBC-Ukraine , Volodymyr Zelensky had thwarted her previous attempts to become prime minister, arguing that the role would be more suitable for him after the conflict ended.

In a recent interview, Yulia Svyrydenko explained that public service has been a part of her life since childhood , with both of her parents working in the sector. "I saw how dedicated they were to serving the community, how their hometown and its growth were at the heart of their values," she said.