Ukraine appoints energy executive Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister amid reshuffle and protests

A technocrat with no political ties

Serhii Koretskyi, 48, an engineer and economist from Lutsk, has spent over two decades in Ukraine's energy sector but never held a government post or joined a political party. He began his career in the late 1990s as a security guard at the Continuum group while studying, eventually rising to CEO of the WOG filling station chain and later the Continuum Group. In 2022, after the state seized oil producer Ukrnafta and refinery operator Ukrtatnafta from oligarch Ihor Kolomoiskyi, Koretskyi was appointed to lead both companies simultaneously. Within two years, Ukrnafta reported record profits, cleared tax debts, and became a major taxpayer and fuel supplier to the military. In May 2025, he took over as CEO of Naftogaz, the state energy giant, at a time when gas reserves had fallen to record lows. Under his watch, Ukraine avoided gas shortages despite intensified Russian strikes on production facilities.

The vote and the reshuffle

Parliament confirmed Koretskyi on Thursday with 289 votes in favor, 1 against, 7 abstentions, and 21 deputies not voting. He replaces Yulia Svyrydenko, becoming the third prime minister since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The appointment is part of a wider reshuffle announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that also saw Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov replaced by SBU chief Ievheni Khmara. Addressing lawmakers before the vote, Koretskyi said his immediate priorities were protecting Ukraine's battered energy system, stabilizing the economy, ensuring international aid is spent effectively, and expanding domestic arms production.

Protests over Fedorov's dismissal

As the vote took place, hundreds of protesters gathered in central Kyiv, angered by the sidelining of Fedorov, a popular figure. The demonstrations underscored the political risk Zelenskyy took in removing a minister with strong public support. The reshuffle has triggered what analyst Yevhen Mahda described as a serious political crisis.

I understand it's a political decision by the president, but it seems ill-considered. As events show, the president primarily wanted to dismiss Mykhailo Fedorov. He achieved that, but it caused at least a serious political crisis.

Winter preparation and energy focus

Zelenskyy told reporters on Wednesday that preparing for the next winter was the priority. Ukraine endured its heaviest bombardment of energy infrastructure last winter, and Russian attacks continue while Kyiv faces a shortage of interceptors for ballistic missiles. Koretskyi's track record in stabilizing energy companies under fire is central to his selection. At Naftogaz, he launched an audit that triggered sweeping restructuring, eliminating overlapping functions. Analysts note that his lack of political baggage may help him focus on the technical demands of the job.

He is not linked to any political faction or oligarchic group. That is one of his greatest strengths, especially from Zelensky's point of view.

Analysts weigh in

Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko said Koretskyi's combination of managerial reputation and political neutrality gives him an edge. However, Yevhen Mahda cautioned that experience running state energy companies does not automatically translate into effective wartime government leadership. He predicted that Koretskyi, having witnessed the dismissal of the loyal Svyrydenko, would become "the most loyal member of the government in the world." Mahda also argued that Zelenskyy dislikes protests and rarely reverses decisions, making it unlikely he would reinstate Fedorov despite public pressure.