Prime Minister of Ukraine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Prime Minister of Ukraine
Coat of arms of Ukraine
Incumbent Vacant since 12 July 2026
Style	Mdm Prime Minister (informal) Her Excellency (diplomatic)
Member of	Cabinet National Security and Defense Council
Seat	Government Building, Kyiv, Ukraine
Nominator	President of Ukraine
Appointer	Verkhovna Rada
Term length	Five years unless the Verkhovna Rada is dissolved sooner No term limits specified
Inaugural holder	Volodymyr Vynnychenko
Formation	28 June 1917; 109 years ago (1917-06-28) (original) 25 March 1946; 80 years ago (1946-03-25) (Ukrainian SSR) 24 August 1991; 34 years ago (1991-08-24) (current form)
Deputy	First Deputy Prime Minister
Salary	₴20,000 monthly
Website	KMU.gov.ua

The Prime Minister of Ukraine is like the main leader of the Ukrainian government. This person is in charge of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, which is the top group that runs the country day-to-day. After Ukraine became independent in 1991, this important role replaced an older Soviet-era position.

Throughout history, Ukraine has had notable leaders in this role. Yulia Tymoshenko was the first woman to become Prime Minister. Arseniy Yatsenyuk was the first Prime Minister who came from Western Ukraine. Volodymyr Groysman was the first Jewish Ukrainian Prime Minister. Two Prime Ministers were born in the Russian SFSR.

The position of Prime Minister is currently vacant, meaning no one holds the office right now. The last person to serve as Prime Minister was Yulia Svyrydenko, who held the position from July 17, 2025, until July 11, 2026. She followed Denys Shmyhal, who was Prime Minister from March 4, 2020, until July 17, 2025. The office became vacant on July 12, 2026.

How Ukraine's Prime Minister is Chosen

The President of Ukraine chooses the Prime Minister. But this choice needs the agreement of the Verkhovna Rada, which is Ukraine's parliament. For approval, more than half of the parliament members must vote "yes" for the person the President suggests.

Before the vote, the person nominated for Prime Minister talks with different groups in parliament. This helps everyone understand their plans. Getting approved is not always easy. Sometimes, a candidate might get just enough votes, or even be turned down. For example, in 1999, a candidate named Valeriy Pustovoitenko almost didn't get enough votes.

The President usually nominates someone suggested by the groups of parties in parliament. This rule helps ensure the Prime Minister has strong support. A Prime Minister cannot also be a member of parliament.

What the Prime Minister Does

U.S. president Barack Obama talking with Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk in 2014.

The Prime Minister leads the part of the government that carries out laws. This is called the executive branch. They are in charge of the Cabinet of Ministers and sign their official decisions.

The Prime Minister suggests people to lead most government ministries to the parliament. However, the President suggests the ministers for foreign affairs and defense. The Prime Minister also suggests leaders for Ukraine's regions to the President.

The Prime Minister also approves certain decisions made by the President. This means they share responsibility for carrying out these decisions. The Prime Minister's main office is in the Cabinet of Ministries building in Kyiv. While in office, the Prime Minister has legal protection from lawsuits.

Supporting Roles: Acting and Deputy Prime Ministers

Oleksandr Turchynov served as Acting Prime Minister in 2010.

If the Prime Minister is away or resigns, the First Deputy Prime Minister takes charge temporarily. This person is also called the first vice-prime minister. Some deputies have served as acting Prime Minister for longer periods.

Besides the First Deputy, there are other deputy ministers. They help the Prime Minister and often oversee specific areas of government. These areas might include farming, humanitarian issues, or economic matters.

When a Prime Minister Leaves Office

A Prime Minister, like other Cabinet members, can choose to resign. They send their resignation to the parliament. The parliament must then discuss this within 10 days. If the Prime Minister resigns, the entire Cabinet also leaves office.

Prime Ministers do not have a set time limit for how long they can serve. They stay in office until the parliament's term ends, they resign, or they are dismissed. Before 2004, the President could dismiss the Prime Minister alone. Now, only the parliament can dismiss a Prime Minister. This happens if parliament votes that they no longer have confidence in the Cabinet.

A Look at Past Prime Ministers

Since Ukraine became independent in 1991, there have been 19 Prime Ministers.

The position of Prime Minister is currently vacant. The last Prime Minister was Yulia Svyrydenko, who served from July 17, 2025, until July 11, 2026.

Denys Shmyhal served the longest as Prime Minister. Other long-serving Prime Ministers include Mykola Azarov and Yulia Tymoshenko, who both served two terms.

Tymoshenko was the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in Ukraine.

Timeline of Prime Ministers

Parliamentary Approval of Prime Ministers

See also

In Spanish: Primer ministro de Ucrania para niños