Ukraine’s Parliament Approves Serhii Koretskyi as New Prime Minister

Ukraine’s parliament has approved energy executive Serhii Koretskyi as the country’s new prime minister, as part of a major government reshuffle announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Koretskyi becomes Ukraine’s third prime minister since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, taking office at a time when the country continues to face the challenges of war.

The 48-year-old engineer and economist has no previous experience in public office and is not affiliated with any political party. However, he is widely regarded as an experienced executive, and Ukrainian political analysts say his nonpartisan background could help him lead the government during a critical period.

Koretskyi brings more than two decades of experience in international finance, energy retail and wholesale markets, as well as oil production and refining. Before his appointment, he had served since May 2025 as Chief Executive Officer of Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state-owned oil and gas company, which oversees a significant share of the country’s natural gas production, imports, and supply.

Previously, he led Ukrnafta, Ukraine’s largest oil producer, and also served as CEO of the Continuum Group and WOG, one of the country’s largest fuel station networks. Born in the western Ukrainian city of Lutsk, Koretskyi also founded a privately owned coffee chain earlier in his career.

His appointment comes as Ukraine faces relentless Russian missile and drone attacks targeting its energy infrastructure. Keeping the country’s electricity and energy systems operational remains one of the government’s most urgent challenges.

Following last winter’s devastating strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities, preparing the country for the upcoming winter season is expected to be one of Koretskyi’s top priorities.

President Zelenskyy has also described preparations for the coming winter as the government’s highest priority, placing the responsibility for that effort squarely on the shoulders of the new prime minister.