Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants to entrust the government leadership to an energy sector manager without political experience. According to sources close to the power circle in Kiev, the favorite for the position of prime minister is Serhii Koretskyi, the director of the state-owned company Naftogaz, who has already been offered the position.
According to the publication Ukrainska Pravda, Zelensky met with Koretskyi and proposed him to take over the government’s leadership, and he accepted the challenge in principle. There is no official announcement yet from the Ukrainian presidency or Naftogaz.
Sources from Ukrainska Pravda claim that Zelensky currently sees him as the main option for the prime minister position and appreciates the results achieved by Koretskyi in recent years, especially after the recovery of the Ukrnafta company, which shifted from significant losses to profits.
Priority: preparing for the toughest winter
During the discussion, Zelensky reportedly presented Koretskyi with the main objectives of the future government.
These include preparing the country for a challenging winter, protecting the energy and fuel infrastructure, stabilizing the economy, and efficiently managing the financial and military aid received from Western partners.
Sources from the presidential administration stated that the Naftogaz chief acknowledged that he does not fully grasp the extent of the challenges, but expressed willingness to try.
Simultaneously, Zelensky also discussed with the mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, and the current Minister of Energy, Denys Shmyhal. Terekhov reportedly declined the offer, stating his desire to remain in charge of the city, while Shmyhal was not seriously considered for the prime minister position.
Who is Serhii Koretskyi
At 41 years old, Serhii Koretskyi has been leading Naftogaz since May 2025, after previously heading the state-owned companies Ukrnafta and Ukrtatnafta.
He has built a reputation as a manager in the oil and gas industry and has not held any political or party positions so far.
Under his leadership, Ukrnafta returned to profitability after coming under state control, becoming one of the few strategic companies to significantly improve their financial results during the war.
Has a connection with Romania
Koretskyi's appointment could be relevant for Romania as well. Naftogaz is in preliminary discussions with OMV Petrom regarding the development of a gas field in the Ukrainian sector of the Black Sea, located near Romanian perimeters. However, exploitation may only begin after the end of the war.
In March, after meeting with President Nicușor Dan, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Romania and Ukraine intend to develop energy projects together in the Black Sea.
The government enters a new stage
The change of prime minister is part of the extensive reshuffle announced by Zelensky. The Ukrainian President announced on Sunday the change of Prime Minister, arguing that Ukraine is changing its political strategy, and for each priority direction of foreign policy, a specific person will be responsible.
Zelensky stated that he proposed the replacement of Prime Minister Iulia Sviridenko, a fact confirmed by the current Prime Minister.
The Ukrainian Constitution stipulates that the Prime Minister is appointed by the Verkhovna Rada, upon the President's proposal, so the future head of the government must obtain the Parliament's vote.