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Former deputy economy minister named Ukraine's acting culture minister

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Former deputy economy minister named Ukraine's acting culture minister
Former Deputy Economy Minister Tetyana Berezhna was appointed as interim culture and strategic communications minister on July 28, 2025. (Tetyana Berezhna / Facebook) 

Ukraine's government has appointed former Deputy Economy Minister Tetiana Berezhna as the interim culture minister, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko announced on July 28.

The move comes as part of Ukraine's first full wartime government reshuffle. Berezhna's appointment is expected to ensure stable leadership at the ministry amid ongoing reforms.

"This decision guarantees manageability, financial capacity, and effective dialogue with the cultural community," Svyrydenko said on Telegram, adding that Berezhna brings "a strong background in public policy, international projects, and working with partners."

Berezhna will be tasked with auditing the sector's needs, attracting additional resources, and boosting cooperation with international donors and partners.

The post of a culture minister was previously held by diplomat Mykola Tochytskyi, who assumed the position in September 2024 and was dismissed alongside much of the cabinet during the reshuffle.

Tochytskyi's tenure has sparked criticism among cultural activists over his appointments and policies regarding cultural heritage, even leading to calls for his dismissal. The name of his successor was not initially disclosed during the cabinet reshuffle on July 17.

Born in 1989 in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Berezhna practiced law for more than a decade before entering public service. For her expertise in tax law, she earned recognition from international legal rankings such as Chambers Europe, Legal 500, and Best Lawyers.

As a deputy economy minister, she oversaw labor and employment reforms, including veteran reintegration, refugee return programs, and narrowing the gender pay gap.

In 2025, Berezhna served as Ukraine's Commissioner General at EXPO-2025 in Japan, where she led the country's representation and oversaw preparations for the national pavilion.

Ukraine's new government is led by Svyrydenko, confirmed by parliament on July 17 following the departure of Denys Shmyhal, who became defense minister.

The reshuffle reflects a broader effort by President Volodymyr Zelensky to recalibrate the country's leadership amid evolving wartime priorities.

Who’s who in Ukraine’s government after its first full wartime reshuffle
The Ukrainian government was formally dissolved on July 16, marking the first full reshuffle during Russia’s full-scale invasion. A day later, the new Cabinet of Ministers was voted in. Yuliia Svyrydenko, until very recently Ukraine’s first deputy prime minister, was nominated by President Volodymyr Zelensky to replace Denys Shmyhal, the longest-serving prime minister in the country’s history. The change comes at a critical moment for Kyiv, as it continues to wrestle with Russian aggression wh
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Tim Zadorozhnyy

News Editor

Tim Zadorozhnyy is a news editor at The Kyiv Independent. Based in Warsaw, he is pursuing studies in International Relations, focusing on European Studies. Tim began his career at a local television channel in Odesa. After moving to Warsaw, he joined the Belarusian opposition media outlet NEXTA, starting as a news anchor and later advancing to the position of managing editor.

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