War leaves no room for delay. We must act quickly and decisively, said Svyrydenko when she was approved as Ukraine's new prime minister by the country's parliament on Thursday.
The former deputy prime minister and minister of economy is known for her role in bringing in the disputed mineral agreement with the USA – which was once close to sabotaging the relationship between the countries.
The agreement gives the USA access to certain Ukrainian natural resources and was required by Donald Trump as a condition for the USA's military support. Ukraine, however, managed to get a final version of the agreement that was somewhat less demanding for Kyiv.
"Has distinguished herself"
Svyrydenko is considered to have built trust with the Americans.
Trump and his government are now a priority for Ukraine. There, Svyrydenko has distinguished herself and will continue to do so, says political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko to the news agency AFP.
The new prime minister highlights the strengthening of Ukraine's economy and increased arms production as some of her priority issues. She has received praise for, in her role as minister of economy, contributing to keeping the war-torn country afloat. This includes, among other things, getting exemptions for key personnel in certain companies from being called into the army.
Criticism of power concentration
Svyrydenko is seen as loyal to Zelenskyj's influential advisor Andrij Jermak. Some critics describe her promotion as a way for the president to concentrate power in a small circle.
It is obvious that the influence of the presidential administration will increase, says opposition parliamentarian Mykola Kniazjitskyj, to AFP.
The government is seeking further centralization and refuses dialogue.
The outgoing prime minister Denys Sjmyhal will instead take over the role of minister of defense. Analyst Volodymyr Fesenko believes that he has the prerequisites to "bring some order" to the ministry of defense, which has been plagued by corruption scandals.
Zelenskyj has also appointed a new energy minister, Svitlana Gryntjuk, who gets a tough task in a situation where Russia is feared to step up its attacks on energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
