Serhii Koretskyi Appointed Ukraine’s New Prime Minister, Pledges Stronger Defence and Economic Stability

Kyiv, July 2026 : Ukraine’s Parliament on Thursday approved the appointment of Serhii Koretskyi as the country’s new Prime Minister, marking the latest government reshuffle initiated by President Volodymyr Zelensky as Ukraine continues to confront the challenges of the ongoing war with Russia and prepares for another difficult winter.

Koretskyi, who most recently served as the chief executive of state energy giant Naftogaz, assumed office with a clear focus on strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities, expanding domestic defence production and maintaining economic stability during the conflict.

In his first public statement after taking office, Koretskyi said supporting Ukraine’s armed forces would remain the government’s highest priority.

“Today, I am assuming the responsibilities of Prime Minister of Ukraine with a clear set of priorities. Our foremost task is to fully equip Ukraine’s Defense Forces and accelerate the expansion of our defense industrial base,” Koretskyi posted on X.

He said the government would work to ensure that Ukrainian troops have access to advanced military equipment needed for operations on the battlefield, including drones, robotic systems and precision weapons.

“We will do everything possible to ensure that Ukrainian service members have the capabilities they need for every long-range operation, every precision strike, and every mission to defend the front line, including drones of all types, ground robotic systems, advanced equipment, and modern weapons,” he said.

Beyond military priorities, Koretskyi outlined an ambitious domestic agenda aimed at protecting Ukraine’s economy and ensuring uninterrupted public services despite the continuing conflict.

He said the administration was already preparing the country for the coming winter while continuing to support citizens and businesses affected by the war.

“Our responsibility is to fulfill the state’s social obligations in full by ensuring the timely payment of pensions, social assistance, and funding for essential public services,” he said.

The new Prime Minister also stressed that communities located close to the frontlines, which face daily Russian attacks, would continue to receive special attention and government assistance.

Koretskyi identified strengthening relations with Ukraine’s international partners as another major priority, saying his government would work to secure additional financial and military assistance while ensuring the effective use of international aid.

“Our strategic course remains unchanged – Ukraine’s full membership in the European Union. Now it’s time to get to work,” he wrote.

President Zelensky nominated Koretskyi for the post on Wednesday after announcing a broad cabinet reshuffle aimed at improving the efficiency of his administration during the prolonged conflict with Russia.

Koretskyi takes charge at a particularly challenging time, with Ukraine’s energy infrastructure continuing to face repeated Russian missile and drone attacks. His experience in the country’s energy sector is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring stable power supplies during what officials have warned could be one of Ukraine’s toughest winters since the war began.

David Arakhamia, leader of Zelensky’s Servant of the People parliamentary faction, said Koretskyi’s leadership at Naftogaz had demonstrated his ability to manage critical infrastructure under extraordinary circumstances.

He said Koretskyi’s experience would be “invaluable, especially now as Ukraine prepares for what could be the most difficult winter in its history.”

Before leading Naftogaz, Koretskyi built an extensive career in Ukraine’s energy sector. After working in private industry, he headed the state-owned companies Ukrnafta and Ukrtatnafta between 2022 and 2025 before being appointed chief executive of Naftogaz in 2025.

During his tenure at Naftogaz, he focused on maintaining energy production and protecting vital infrastructure despite sustained Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities.

The appointment follows President Zelensky’s announcement on July 12 that his government would undergo significant restructuring to better align responsibilities with the country’s evolving diplomatic and security priorities.

In a post on X, Zelensky said he had discussed the changes with outgoing Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, adding that the evolving challenges facing Ukraine required a renewed Cabinet of Ministers.

“We determined that these changes require a renewal of the Cabinet of Ministers,” Zelensky said.

The President also thanked Svyrydenko for her leadership during one of the most difficult periods in Ukraine’s modern history and said he had offered her responsibility for “a new and important area of relations with a key partner.”

Shortly afterwards, Svyrydenko announced her resignation on Telegram, expressing pride in having led the government through the country’s wartime challenges.

“I am proud to have had the honor of leading the government during the most difficult period of Ukraine’s modern history,” she wrote.

With Koretskyi now at the helm, Ukraine’s new administration faces the twin challenge of strengthening the country’s military resilience while maintaining economic stability and advancing its long-term goal of securing full membership in the European Union.

Team Maverick