Ukraine’s parliament has approved the appointment of Serhii Koretskyi as the country’s new prime minister, bringing a business executive with extensive energy sector experience into the top government position.
The Verkhovna Rada voted 289-1 in favor of Koretskyi’s appointment on July 16. Seven lawmakers abstained, while 21 did not participate in the vote. Koretskyi was nominated by President Volodymyr Zelensky the previous day and is expected to lead a new cabinet.
Before entering government leadership, Koretskyi served as chief executive officer of Naftogaz of Ukraine, the country’s largest oil and gas company. He also previously headed Ukrnafta, Ukraine’s largest oil producer.
Zelensky identified several major priorities for the new prime minister, including preparing Ukraine for the upcoming winter, protecting critical energy and fuel infrastructure, stabilizing the economy, and ensuring effective management of international assistance. Officials have warned that the coming winter could be the most difficult Ukraine has faced since the start of the full-scale war.
Addressing lawmakers before the vote, Koretskyi outlined the areas he plans to focus on as head of government. “This means fully supplying the defense forces, building up the capacity of Ukraine’s defense industry and supporting the population and social protection, specifically for residents of frontline communities,” he said.
