Denys Shmyhal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Denys Shmyhal
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Денис Шмигаль
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Shmyhal in 2025
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| 19th Minister of Defense | |
| Assumed office 17 July 2025 |
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| President | Volodymyr Zelenskyy |
| Prime Minister | Yulia Svyrydenko |
| Preceded by | Rustem Umerov |
| 18th Prime Minister of Ukraine | |
| In office 4 March 2020 – 17 July 2025 |
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| President | Volodymyr Zelenskyy |
| First Deputy | Oleksiy Liubchenko Yulia Svyrydenko |
| Preceded by | Oleksiy Honcharuk |
| Succeeded by | Yulia Svyrydenko |
| Minister of Regional Development, Construction and Housing | |
| In office 4 February 2020 – 4 March 2020 |
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| Prime Minister | Oleksiy Honcharuk |
| Preceded by | Aliona Babak |
| Succeeded by | Oleksiy Chernyshov |
| Governor of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast | |
| In office 1 August 2019 – 5 February 2020 |
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| President | Volodymyr Zelenskyy |
| Prime Minister | Volodymyr Groysman Oleksiy Honcharuk |
| Preceded by | Oleh Honcharuk |
| Succeeded by | Vitaliy Fedoriv (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 October 1975 Lviv, Soviet Union |
| Political party | Independent |
| Other political affiliations |
People's Control (2015) |
| Spouse | Kateryna Shmyhal |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Lviv Polytechnic |
| Occupation |
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Denys Anatoliiovych Shmyhal (born on October 15, 1975) is a Ukrainian politician. He has been the Minister of Defense for Ukraine since July 2025. Before this, he was the 18th prime minister of Ukraine from 2020 to 2025. He also served as the Governor of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast from 2019 to 2020.
As Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal helped lead Ukraine's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine. He also played a key role in the country's defense during the 2022 Russian invasion. His time as prime minister, lasting over five years, was the longest in Ukraine's history.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Denys Shmyhal was born to Anatolii Ivanovych and Iryna Feliksovna. He grew up in Ukraine. In 1997, he finished his studies at Lviv Polytechnic university. He earned a special degree in economics in 2003. This degree is similar to a PhD.
Early Career Path
After graduating in 1997, Shmyhal worked as an accountant for different companies until 2005. From 2005 to 2006, he was a Deputy General Director at a company called "LA DIS". He then became a Director for the "Comfort-Invest" company from 2006 to 2008. From 2008 to 2009, he was the General Director of "Rosaninvest LLC".
Political Journey
Denys Shmyhal started his political career in Ukraine's Lviv Oblast. From 2009 to 2013, he held several important roles there. He was the Head of the Department of Economics at the Lviv Oblast Administration from 2009 to 2011. During this time, he worked with Oleh Nemchinov, who later became a minister in Shmyhal's own government.
In 2012, Shmyhal led the Department of Economics and Industrial Policy. In 2013, he was the Head of the Department of Economic Development, Investment, Trade, and Industry. For a few months in 2014, he worked as a consultant for a member of Ukraine's parliament. From May to December 2014, he was a Deputy Head at the Lviv Oblast office of the Ministry of Revenues and Duties.
In 2015, Shmyhal ran for a seat on the Lviv Oblast Council. While his party won some seats, he was not elected. From 2015 to 2017, he was Vice President of a company that distributes frozen goods. From 2018 to 2019, he directed the Burshtyn TES, a large electricity producer.
On August 1, 2019, Denys Shmyhal became the Governor of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast. He held this position until he was appointed Prime Minister. On February 4, 2020, he was also named Minister of Regional Development.
Serving as Prime Minister
In March 2020, Denys Shmyhal became the prime minister of Ukraine, taking over from Oleksiy Honcharuk. As prime minister, he was responsible for leading the country's government. In 2021, a Ukrainian magazine called Focus listed him as one of the 100 most influential Ukrainians. He was ranked 7th on that list.
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On July 14, 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to change some government leaders. He suggested that Yulia Svyrydenko become the new prime minister. The President also mentioned that Shmyhal might become the Minister of Defense. Denys Shmyhal resigned as prime minister the next day, on July 15. The Ukrainian parliament accepted his resignation on July 16.
Becoming Minister of Defense
On July 17, 2025, the Ukrainian parliament approved President Zelenskyy's proposal. Denys Shmyhal was officially appointed as the Minister of Defense of Ukraine. In this role, he is responsible for leading Ukraine's military and defense efforts.
Personal Life
Denys Shmyhal is married to Kateryna Shmyhal. They have two daughters together. Kateryna used to own parts of a bakery and a bike rental business in Lviv. She sold her shares in these companies in 2019.
See also
In Spanish: Denís Shmihal para niños
- Honcharuk Government
- Shmyhal Government
