By Hammad Kahlun
Scandinavian news Finland
Kyiv Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, approved Serhiy Koretsky as the country’s new prime minister on Thursday, July 16, with 289 lawmakers voting in favor of his appointment.
Who Is Serhiy Koretsky
Koretsky, 48, previously served as CEO of state-owned energy giant Naftogaz of Ukraine.
He also led Ukrnafta and Ukrtatnafta, Ukraine’s largest oil producers, from 2022 to 2025 after the state took control of them from businessman Ihor Kolomoiskyi.
Under his leadership, Ukrnafta moved from sustained losses to record profits, expanding production and its fuel station network.
President Volodymyr Zelensky described Koretsky as the most prepared candidate for the premiership following extensive consultations.
Reshuffle Follows Svyrydenko’s Resignation
Koretsky succeeds Yulia Svyrydenko, who resigned as prime minister on July 14. Under Ukraine’s constitution, a prime minister’s resignation automatically triggers the resignation of the entire Cabinet of Ministers.
The reshuffle marks the third change of prime minister since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Defense Minister Change Sparks Protests
The broader cabinet shake-up also saw Zelensky replace Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.
Zelensky cited tensions between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky as a key factor behind the decision.
Fedorov’s removal triggered rare wartime protests in several Ukrainian cities, with demonstrators calling for his reinstatement. Deputy air force commander Pavlo Yelizarov resigned in protest, calling the decision “a great evil” for Ukraine’s defense.
Priorities Ahead
Addressing parliament before the vote, Koretsky outlined his government’s priorities: preparing for the coming winter, supporting the defense forces and defense industry, aiding frontline communities, ensuring economic stability, and advancing Ukraine’s European Union integration.
He also praised Klymenko and said his cabinet would prioritize “defense, economic development, and European integration.”
Yulia Svyrydenko previous coverage of her resignation
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