Latest news with #Shmyhal
Business Insider
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Ukraine is pumping millions of dollars into drones built to kill the Russian ones attacking its cities
Russia is regularly hammering Ukrainian cities with one-way attack drones. Kyiv, however, intends to meet that threat by pouring millions of dollars into interceptor drones designed to engage Russian threats. In a statement posted to Telegram on Wednesday, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced four contracts for drone intercept technology worth over $72 million. "Special attention was given to drone interceptors capable of countering Russian Shaheds," Shmyhal said in the statement, which noted that Ukraine is also pursuing international partnerships for additional purchases. Earlier in the month, the director of Ukraine's Defense Procurement Agency, Arsen Zhumadilov, told local media that the agency had contracts for tens of thousands of interceptor drones, weapons which are now being mass-produced. Zhumadilov did not provide a value for those contracts. Interceptor drones have become an inexpensive option for defeating front-line loitering munitions and higher-end uncrewed reconnaissance assets, but the drones are increasingly being seen as an option for countering Shaheds, a term for a family of Iranian-designed attack drones that Russia also makes domestically. Russia frequently deploys homemade versions of the Iranian-designed Shahed, called the Geran-2, to bolster its strike packages, mixing them in with decoy activity and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. Such employment creates a more complicated threat for Ukrainian air defense systems, already stretched thin. Ukraine has reported that Russia is arming its drones with bigger payloads and thermobaric warheads, increasingly operating them in ways that make them difficult to shoot down with inexpensive solutions, like mounted machine guns. Ukraine has more sophisticated air defenses, but limited availability and prohibitive costs are pushing the country to find more innovative solutions. Ukraine is believed to have about half a dozen operational Patriot batteries among its other air defenses. A Patriot battery consists of as many as eight launchers, which can hold up to 16 missiles. These weapons are useful for countering aircraft and ballistic missile threats. US lawmakers approved a decision to send more Patriot air defense systems to Germany last week after agreeing that Germany would frontload Patriot systems to boost Ukrainian defenses. Each Patriot interceptor missile costs over $3 million. Missile production is limited, and overuse strains already limited stockpiles. That makes them less than ideal for combating drones. Defensive interceptor drones function similarly to interceptor missiles, though drones are drastically cheaper and more easily produced. Without other options, the continuous barrage of Shahed-style drones flooding Ukrainian airspace, coupled with missile strikes, is bound to overwhelm Ukraine's air defenses. Recent assessments by Western military experts suggest Russia is poised to overwhelm Ukrainian cities with thousands of drones in a single night. In an effort to tout domestic drone production, Russian state media recently broadcast modified American-designed pickup trucks featuring a launch configuration for Shahed-style drones, which are capable of loitering in the air before diving onto a target. Russia began using the Iranian-manufactured drones three years ago, but it quickly turned to its own domestic industries for producing the drones.
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Who are the key ministers in Ukraine's new government?
Find out what's new on ST website and app. KYIV - Parliament approved Yulia Svyrydenko as Ukraine's new prime minister on Thursday and backed her plan to cut the number of ministries, merging some of the main portfolios, to save funds in wartime. With the new government, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is trying to wrestle wartime defence spending into shape and win over both U.S. President Donald Trump and a war-weary public with fresh-faced leadership. Here are some key members of the new government, in which Andrii Sybiha remains foreign minister and Serhii Marchenko stays on as finance minister. PRIME MINISTER YULIA SVYRYDENKO Svyrydenko, 39, an economist by education, has worked in the government since 2019, rising through the ranks after being a deputy minister to become economy minister and first deputy prime minister. She is tasked with unlocking Ukraine's economic potential during the war raging since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and increasing domestic weapon production as much as possible. Svyrydenko played an important role in recent negotiations on an agreement with the United States giving the U.S. preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals deals and funding investment in Ukraine's reconstruction. MYKHAILO FEDOROV, FIRST DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, IN CHARGE OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Business 5 things to know about Kuok Hui Kwong, tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter and Shangri-La Asia head honcho Singapore Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore Singapore Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid in Bishan: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail Singapore Two women jailed for submitting fake university certificates to MOM for employment passes Singapore Sex first, then you can sell my flat: Women property agents fend off indecent proposals and harassment Singapore Premium China carmaker Hongqi, known for Xi Jinping's limos, to launch in Singapore in 2026 Fedorov, 34, was first appointed a deputy prime minister in 2019. In 2023, his remit grew to include innovation, science and technology, in addition to digital affairs. He played a prominent role in driving development of military technology through a government-backed platform to nurture private-sector innovation. DENYS SHMYHAL, DEFENCE MINISTER Shmyhal, 49, became Ukraine's longest-serving prime minister after being appointed to the role in 2020 and held the role throughout the war until this week's government overhaul. Parliament has passed a decision to merge the defence ministry and the ministry for strategic industries. Shmyhal will oversee the defence sector, domestic weapon production and international cooperation in weapons and defence. Shmyhal will also be in charge of the bulk of state spending. Ukraine spends about 36% of gross domestic product on its defence efforts. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said the defence minister will have more resources at his disposal than other ministers but also greater responsibility. TARAS KACHKA, DEPUTY PM FOR EU INTEGRATION Kachka, 45, has previously served as Ukraine's trade representative and deputy economy minister, with responsibility for state foreign economic policy and export strategy. He was also involved in negotiations with the U.S. on the minerals deal and with European Union officials on agricultural trade. OLEKSII SOBOLEV, MINISTER FOR ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE Sobolev, 42, will head the new giant ministry for economy, environment and agriculture. Ukraine previously had three separate ministries to cover these portfolios. Prior to this appointment, he served as first deputy economy minister responsible for state investment policy, managing state property policy and economic development. Ukraine is a top global producer and exporter of grains and other agricultural products. Agribusiness is a driving force for the war-ravaged economy and the new minister will look at prospects for opening new markets and try to unlock other economic opportunities to help Ukraine's recovery. SVITLANA HRYNCHUK, ENERGY MINISTER Hrynchuk, 39, was appointed ecology minister in a government reshuffle in September 2024. Prior to that, she was a deputy energy minister for a year. She also had various other government positions focusing on the energy sector and climate change issues. REUTERS
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
FACTBOX-Who are the key ministers in Ukraine's new government?
Find out what's new on ST website and app. KYIV - Parliament approved Yulia Svyrydenko as Ukraine's new prime minister on Thursday and backed her plan to cut the number of ministries, merging some of the main portfolios, to save funds in wartime. With the new government, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is trying to wrestle wartime defence spending into shape and win over both U.S. President Donald Trump and a war-weary public with fresh-faced leadership. Here are some key members of the new government, in which Andrii Sybiha remains foreign minister and Serhii Marchenko stays on as finance minister. PRIME MINISTER YULIA SVYRYDENKO Svyrydenko, 39, an economist by education, has worked in the government since 2019, rising through the ranks after being a deputy minister to become economy minister and first deputy prime minister. She is tasked with unlocking Ukraine's economic potential during the war raging since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and increasing domestic weapon production as much as possible. Svyrydenko played an important role in recent negotiations on an agreement with the United States giving the U.S. preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals deals and funding investment in Ukraine's reconstruction. MYKHAILO FEDOROV, FIRST DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, IN CHARGE OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore Singapore Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid in Bishan: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail Singapore Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Business 5 things to know about Kuok Hui Kwong, tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter and Shangri-La Asia head honcho Singapore Premium China carmaker Hongqi, known for Xi Jinping's limos, to launch in Singapore in 2026 Singapore Sex first, then you can sell my flat: Women property agents fend off indecent proposals and harassment Opinion Grab tried to disrupt taxis. It now wants to save them Fedorov, 34, was first appointed a deputy prime minister in 2019. In 2023, his remit grew to include innovation, science and technology, in addition to digital affairs. He played a prominent role in driving development of military technology through a government-backed platform to nurture private-sector innovation. DENYS SHMYHAL, DEFENCE MINISTER Shmyhal, 49, became Ukraine's longest-serving prime minister after being appointed to the role in 2020 and held the role throughout the war until this week's government overhaul. Parliament has passed a decision to merge the defence ministry and the ministry for strategic industries. Shmyhal will oversee the defence sector, domestic weapon production and international cooperation in weapons and defence. Shmyhal will also be in charge of the bulk of state spending. Ukraine spends about 36% of gross domestic product on its defence efforts. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said the defence minister will have more resources at his disposal than other ministers but also greater responsibility. TARAS KACHKA, DEPUTY PM FOR EU INTEGRATION Kachka, 45, has previously served as Ukraine's trade representative and deputy economy minister, with responsibility for state foreign economic policy and export strategy. He was also involved in negotiations with the U.S. on the minerals deal and with European Union officials on agricultural trade. OLEKSII SOBOLEV, MINISTER FOR ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE Sobolev, 42, will head the new giant ministry for economy, environment and agriculture. Ukraine previously had three separate ministries to cover these portfolios. Prior to this appointment, he served as first deputy economy minister responsible for state investment policy, managing state property policy and economic development. Ukraine is a top global producer and exporter of grains and other agricultural products. Agribusiness is a driving force for the war-ravaged economy and the new minister will look at prospects for opening new markets and try to unlock other economic opportunities to help Ukraine's recovery. SVITLANA HRYNCHUK, ENERGY MINISTER Hrynchuk, 39, was appointed ecology minister in a government reshuffle in September 2024. Prior to that, she was a deputy energy minister for a year. She also had various other government positions focusing on the energy sector and climate change issues. REUTERS
Nahar Net
7 days ago
- Business
- Nahar Net
Zelensky shakes up Ukrainian Cabinet, appointing new PM to reinvigorate war effort
by Naharnet Newsdesk 17 July 2025, 13:33 Ukraine's economy minister and the key negotiator in the mineral deal with the U.S, Yuliia Svyrydenko, was appointed as its new prime minister Thursday, becoming the country's first new head of government since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Svyrydenko is one of a group of officials taking on new roles in Ukraine's government, as President Volodymyr Zelensky reshuffles the Cabinet in a bid to energize a war-weary nation and boost domestic weapons production in the face of Russia's grinding invasion. At home, however, the Cabinet recalibration has not been seen as a major shift, as the Ukrainian leader continues to rely on officials who have proven their effectiveness and loyalty during the war, now in its fourth year. Zelensky submitted nominations on Thursday to shuffle top government positions, including the replacement of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the longest-serving head of government in Ukraine's history. Shmyhal now moves to become defense minister, according to the parliamentary website. Other changes are expected in the Cabinet, but Svyrydenko's appointment as prime minister is taking center stage. She played a key role in negotiating a U.S.–Ukraine mineral agreement, ensuring the terms were acceptable to Kyiv. Svyrydenko has frequently represented Ukraine in high-level talks with Western partners, focusing on defense cooperation, economic recovery and reconstruction. Lawmakers and fellow officials describe her as a diligent executive with a reputation for loyalty to the presidential office. On Tuesday, Zelensky posted a photo with Svyrydenko and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, writing that the focus for the next six months would be increasing domestic weapons production, fully contracting all types of drones for Ukraine's defense forces, easing regulations to unlock economic potential, and ensuring delivery of social support programs. Shmyhal announced his resignation as prime minister on Tuesday. He held the position for more than five years after being appointed on March 4, 2020. Ukrainian analysts and local media have rarely portrayed Shmyhal as an independent political figure or a counterweight to Zelensky. Like Svyrydenko, he is seen as loyal to the president and his team. His new post as defense minister means he is not leaving government entirely, but instead remains in the cabinet in a powerful role. The 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 active role on the international stage, critics said the ministry remained plagued by mismanagement.
7 days ago
- Business
Zelenskyy shakes up Ukrainian Cabinet, appointing a new prime minister
KYIV, Ukraine -- Ukraine's economy minister and the key negotiator in the mineral deal with the U.S, Yuliia Svyrydenko, was appointed as its new prime minister Thursday, becoming the country's first new head of government since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Svyrydenko is one of a group of officials taking on new roles in Ukraine's government, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reshuffles the Cabinet in a bid to energize a war-weary nation and boost domestic weapons production in the face of Russia's grinding invasion. At home, however, the Cabinet recalibration has not been seen as a major shift, as the Ukrainian leader continues to rely on officials who have proven their effectiveness and loyalty during the war, now in its fourth year. Zelenskyy submitted nominations on Thursday to shuffle top government positions, including the replacement of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the longest-serving head of government in Ukraine's history. Shmyhal now moves to become defense minister, according to the parliamentary website. Other changes are expected in the Cabinet, but Svyrydenko's appointment as prime minister is taking center stage. She played a key role in negotiating a U.S.–Ukraine mineral agreement, ensuring the terms were acceptable to Kyiv. Svyrydenko has frequently represented Ukraine in high-level talks with Western partners, focusing on defense cooperation, economic recovery and reconstruction. Lawmakers and fellow officials describe her as a diligent executive with a reputation for loyalty to the presidential office. On Tuesday, Zelenskyy posted a photo with Svyrydenko and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, writing that the focus for the next six months would be increasing domestic weapons production, fully contracting all types of drones for Ukraine's defense forces, easing regulations to unlock economic potential, and ensuring delivery of social support programs. Shmyhal announced his resignation as prime minister on Tuesday. He held the position for more than five years after being appointed on March 4, 2020. Ukrainian analysts and local media have rarely portrayed Shmyhal as an independent political figure or a counterweight to Zelenskyy. Like Svyrydenko, he is seen as loyal to the president and his team. His new post as defense minister means he is not leaving government entirely, but instead remains in the cabinet in a powerful role. The 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 active role on the international stage, critics said the ministry remained plagued by mismanagement.
