Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed the head of the energy company Naftogaz Ukraine, Sergey Koretsky, for the position of Prime Minister of the country. This was reported by Ukrainian Truth citing its sources. Previously, Financial Times and RBC Ukraine had named Koretsky as one of the main candidates for the position of head of government.
Sergey Koretsky is 48 years old. He was appointed CEO of Naftogaz in 2025. Prior to that, he led the company Ukrnafta for about 3 years (after the Ukrainian authorities nationalized the company, taking it from oligarch Igor Kolomoisky). The Ukrainian 24th channel reports that under Koretsky, Ukrnafta became profitable and one of the most successful state companies.
Sources from Ukrainian Truth indicate that Zelensky has been monitoring Koretsky's work and considers him to be "one of the strongest state managers." In proposing Koretsky for the position of Prime Minister, the Ukrainian president emphasized that among the priority tasks are the protection of Ukraine's energy system and preparation for the upcoming winter. This winter is expected to be the most challenging since the start of the large-scale war due to attacks on energy facilities.
According to sources from Ukrainian Truth, Koretsky was surprised by Zelensky's proposal but has already given his consent. He added that he does not fully realize the scale of the challenges ahead but is ready to try.
According to the publication, Zelensky decided to change the composition of the government after last week the Ukrainian ambassador to the USA, Olga Stefanishina, informed the president of her intention to leave diplomatic service. Ukrainian Truth writes that for Zelensky, her unexpected resignation was "more of an opportunity than a problem." The Ukrainian president decided to appoint the current Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko as the new ambassador in Washington. Financial Times, also reporting on Sviridenko's transition to diplomatic work, notes that the Prime Minister managed to establish relationships with members of Donald Trump's team during the preparation of a raw materials deal.
However, Suspilne, citing its sources, reports that Sviridenko did not accept the president's offer. Three sources close to Sviridenko told the publication that as of the morning of July 14, she is not considering that position. It is unclear whether she rejected the president's offer. In turn, Ukrainian Truth reports that she has already declined the offer.
Sviridenko led the Ukrainian government for just under a year. The reason for her resignation was serious changes in the upper echelons of power, as Kirill Budanov took over the presidency's office from Andrey Yermak. Additionally, President Zelensky stated that he wants the Ukrainian government to operate more independently. As Ukrainian Truth reports, for a long time, the president's office defined the tasks facing the government, but recently Zelensky spoke about the need to abandon such a model. According to the publication, during one of the consultations, Zelensky said, "Well, at least you can do this without me."
Ukrainian Truth also links Sviridenko's departure to the presidential elections in Ukraine. According to the publication, the president's office has "come to terms" with the idea that they will not be able to hold elections this fall and sees this as an opportunity for government renewal.
