Dhaka, July 18 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed former economy minister Yulia Svyrydenko as the country's new prime minister, marking a key leadership shift aimed at boosting Ukraine's defense and diplomacy amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Svyrydenko, 39, becomes the first new head of government since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. She has played a prominent role in Ukraine's international negotiations, including leading a recent mineral partnership deal with the United States - a move seen as crucial in aligning U.S. economic interests with Ukraine's long-term security.

US selling weapons to NATO allies for Ukraine support

The appointment comes just days after a major U.S. weapons deal was an...