Zelensky Proposes Naftogaz Chief as Ukraine’s New Prime Minister

Ukraine is heading for a broad government reshuffle. President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially put forward Serhiy Koretsky, chief executive of the state-owned energy company Naftogaz, as a candidate for the post of next prime minister.

The proposal has been sent to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament. Parliamentary Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk announced that the nomination would be processed without delay in accordance with parliamentary rules. Ukrainian media report that both the appointment of the new prime minister and the structure of the future cabinet are expected to be put to a vote on Thursday.

In a statement from Kyiv, attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Zelensky said that Koretsky is “probably the most suitable person” to lead the government, following consultations.

According to the Ukrainian president, the new government’s work will focus on preparations for winter, securing energy supplies and stepping up efforts to achieve a ceasefire.

The planned changes also include several key ministries. Reports indicate that Vsevolod Chentsov, Ukraine’s ambassador to the European Union, could take the post of deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Changes at the Ministry of Veterans Affairs are also being considered.

The Ministry of Defence may also see changes. According to Ukrainian media, the current minister, Mikhail Fedorov, could be replaced by Interior Minister Ihor Klimenko. Fedorov left the government on Wednesday, six months after taking office, as part of the restructuring process launched by Zelensky. His departure is reported to be linked to internal clashes over the management of military operations and delays in reforming the recruitment system.

The restructuring follows the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko, which was accepted by the Verkhovna Rada with 258 votes in favour. The decision automatically resulted in the resignation of the entire cabinet.

In her final address to parliament, Sviridenko presented securing the €90 billion package from the European Union as the main achievement of her term. According to her, this support guarantees Ukraine’s financial stability for this year and next year. She also played an important role in talks with the United States on the development of Ukraine’s mineral resources.

Ukrainian media have reported that Zelensky had considered appointing Sviridenko as Ukraine’s ambassador to Washington, but she is said to have declined the proposal.