Ukraine’s New Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi Assumes Office Amid Winter Crisis and Public Unrest

KYIV, Ukraine — Serhii Koretskyi, the state-energy executive appointed prime minister on Thursday, represents an unconventional choice to lead the wartime government.

Unlike many senior Ukrainian officials, Koretskyi, 48, did not rise through political parties, parliament, or the civil service. A trained engineer, he spent more than two decades managing fuel and food industries before being tapped to revive some of Ukraine’s most troubled state-owned energy enterprises.

He quickly earned a reputation as an effective crisis manager, turning struggling state companies profitable. Now, he confronts his greatest management challenge yet — one where business acumen alone will not suffice. Leading Ukraine’s cash-strapped wartime government demands political dexterity, diplomacy, and strategic maneuvering.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has tasked him with steering the country through what officials anticipate could be the war’s most difficult winter, driven by Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Koretskyi becomes Ukraine’s third prime minister since the full-scale invasion began.

His premiership began on uncertain footing. As lawmakers voted to confirm him, hundreds of protesters gathered in central Kyiv, condemning Zelenskyy for sidelining popular Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in the abrupt government reshuffle announced this week.

Addressing parliament, Koretskyi outlined immediate priorities: shielding Ukraine’s battered energy system, stabilizing the economy, ensuring effective use of international aid, and expanding domestic arms production.

In 2022, after the state seized control of oil producer Ukrnafta and refinery operator Ukrtatnafta from oligarch Ihor Kolomoiskyi, Koretskyi was appointed to lead both simultaneously. Within two years, Ukrnafta posted record profits, cleared tax debts, and expanded production. The company became one of Ukraine’s largest taxpayers and a major contributor to the war effort, supplying military fuel and funding drones.

Last year, Koretskyi was selected to lead Naftogaz, the state energy giant, at a critical juncture. Gas reserves had plummeted to record lows after previous management failed to secure sufficient imports and Russia intensified strikes on production facilities.

He launched an audit that triggered sweeping restructuring, eliminating overlapping functions and streamlining staffing — moves that drew internal criticism. Under his leadership, Naftogaz rebuilt gas reserves to more than 13 billion cubic meters and raised nearly $1 billion.

Zelenskyy has described Koretskyi as “the most prepared candidate” for prime minister, emphasizing his focus on winter readiness.

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