Ukraine has appointed Serhii Koretskyi, a senior energy sector executive, as its new prime minister amid the ongoing war with Russia. Parliament approved his nomination as part of a cabinet reshuffle announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Koretskyi becomes Ukraine’s third prime minister since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Reuters reported on Thursday (July 16) that Koretskyi has assumed responsibility for leading the government at a critical stage of the war. Widely regarded as an experienced energy sector manager, he is expected to help steer the country through mounting economic and infrastructure challenges.
The 48-year-old engineer and economist has never previously held public office and has no direct affiliation with any political party. His reputation as a politically independent and effective executive is seen as a key factor behind his appointment.
According to Volodymyr Fesenko, director of the Kyiv-based Penta Center think tank, Koretskyi’s greatest strengths are his managerial expertise and political neutrality—qualities analysts consider particularly valuable for leading a wartime government.
Koretskyi brings more than two decades of experience in the energy sector, having worked across oil production, refining, fuel supply, wholesale and retail markets, as well as international financing.
Since May 2025, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Naftogaz, Ukraine’s largest state-owned energy company, which plays a central role in the country’s gas production, imports, and distribution.
Previously, he was CEO of Ukrnafta, a subsidiary of the Naftogaz Group. Before joining the public sector, he held senior leadership positions at Western Oil Group, Continuum Group, and WOG, one of Ukraine’s largest fuel station networks.
Born in the western Ukrainian city of Lutsk, Koretskyi has also ventured beyond the energy industry, founding a coffee chain business.
As prime minister, his most immediate challenge will be preparing the country for the coming winter. Russian attacks last winter severely damaged Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, making the maintenance of stable electricity and fuel supplies a major test for the new government.
At the same time, Ukraine continues to face shortages of critical defence capabilities needed to counter ongoing Russian attacks. President Zelenskyy has said that preparing for the winter season will be the new government’s highest priority.
Source: Reuters