Zelensky taps Naftogaz chief Serhiy Koretskyi as Ukraine's prime‑minister nominee

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Serhiy Koretskyi, the head of the state energy company Naftogaz, is the most suitable candidate to become Ukraine’s next prime minister. “The priorities are clear – preparing for winter. After all the consultations, Serhiy Koretskyi is surely the most prepared candidate for the post of prime minister of Ukraine,” he said at a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Koretskyi, who previously led Ukrnafta and has no prior political office, is being put forward as Ukraine reshapes its cabinet following the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, which was approved by parliament on Tuesday. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the new premier on Thursday. Zelensky emphasized that the new government must focus on securing energy supplies for the coming winter amid continued Russian attacks on the power grid, while also handling defence matters and the country’s broader war effort.