President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has named Sergii Koretskyi, the head of Ukraine's state energy company Naftogaz, as his preferred candidate for prime minister as the country undergoes its second cabinet reshuffle in a year. Parliament is set to vote on the nomination this week after accepting the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
Energy security focus ahead of winter
Zelenskyy announced the decision on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, citing the need for a leader prepared to handle the expected Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during the upcoming winter. "The priorities are clear – preparing for winter," Zelenskyy said. "Therefore, following all the consultations, Sergii Koretskyi is surely the most prepared candidate for the post of prime minister of Ukraine."
Parliament vote and broader reshuffle
Ukraine's parliament accepted Svyrydenko's resignation on Tuesday, July 14, and is expected to vote on Koretskyi's appointment on Thursday. With Zelenskyy's party holding a majority of seats, lawmakers are widely expected to support his candidate. A prime minister's resignation automatically triggers the resignation of the entire cabinet, meaning a broader government shake-up is on the horizon.
Defence Minister's future uncertain
Attention has also turned to Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, who has been in the role for six months. Known for promoting technological innovation, Fedorov comes from outside the traditional defence establishment. Zelenskyy said he would meet Fedorov and military leaders on Wednesday before holding talks with ruling party lawmakers to decide whether Fedorov will remain in his post.
New political strategy
Zelenskyy has offered little detail about the reasons behind the reshuffle, saying only that Ukraine is pursuing a new "political strategy" that requires fresh appointments in government and law enforcement. The strategy focuses on three key areas: Patriot air defence systems – agreements to manufacture them under licence; EU membership – advancing Ukraine's long-term goal of joining the European Union; and Gulf region ties – strengthening security and economic cooperation with what Zelenskyy described as one of the world's "most promising" areas.
Background on energy sector overhaul
This reshuffle follows a recent corruption scandal in Ukraine's state-owned energy companies. Anti-graft investigators said around $100 million had been embezzled from the energy sector, causing outrage in a country where Russian attacks have resulted in devastating power outages. Zelenskyy ordered two ministers to resign over the corruption scheme and sanctioned a former business partner who was named as its mastermind.
