Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. File

| Photo Credit: AP

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stepped down on Sunday (July 12, 2026) as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced fresh changes to Ukraine's government.In a statement on social media, Ms. Svyrydenko said she was “proud to have had the honour of leading the government during one of the most difficult periods in Ukraine's modern history.” She also said she had discussed “next steps” with Mr. Zelenskyy, but did not provide further details.“I remain ready to serve the Ukrainian state and carry out every task aimed at strengthening Ukraine's position, defending our national interests and bringing a just peace closer,” she said.Ms. Svyrydenko, Ukraine's former Economy Minister, was named Prime Minister in July 2025 at the age of 39 after playing a lead role in securing a mineral agreement between Ukraine and the U.S., seen as an important way of tying U.S. interests to Ukraine's security.Mr. Zelenskyy announced her resignation in a post saying that Ukraine was “changing its political strategy.” He also said he had offered Ms. Svyrydenko the opportunity to lead “a new, important area” in Ukraine's relations with a key international partner.