Serhiy Koretskyi may become prime minister following a meeting with Zelenskyy
“Ukrainska Pravda” reported on the four candidates for the post of prime minister, citing a source within the government. Zelenskyy’s meeting with Koretskyy was also confirmed in a statement from the president.
According to Ukrainska Pravda, no final decision has yet been made on the candidate for the post of the new Prime Minister. At the same time, the government is considering several candidates.
Among them is Serhiy Koretskyi, chairman of the board of Naftogaz and director of Ukrnafta. The list of potential candidates also includes Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov.
According to a source at Ukrayinska Pravda, Zelenskyy was due to hold meetings with the candidates. One such meeting has already taken place, specifically with Koretskyi.
Why is Serhiy Koretskyi being mentioned?
Following the meeting with Koretsky, the president stated that he had listened to his report and thanked him for his work at the helm of the strategic state-owned companies — ‘Ukrnafta’ and ‘Naftogaz’.
Zelenskyy stated that Koretskyi had ensured that these companies’ activities were in line with national interests, and that ‘Ukrnafta’ and ‘Naftogaz’ had met their targets. They also discussed new challenges arising from Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, petrol stations and other facilities.
The President’s statement did not explicitly say that Koretsky had been offered the post of Prime Minister. However, the meeting itself took place on a day when there was active discussion about a government reshuffle, which is why his name became one of the key figures in the personnel speculation.
What is known about the government reshuffle
Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Ukraine needs a reshuffle of the Cabinet of Ministers as part of a new political strategy. According to him, this involves stepping up efforts in frontline and border regions, preparing for winter, increasing arms supplies and transforming state-owned companies.
The President also said that he had discussed the changes with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. He thanked her for her work and offered her the chance to lead a new and important initiative in relations with one of Ukraine’s key partners.
Who else is being considered
Apart from Koretskyi, Denys Shmyhal, Mykhailo Fedorov and Ihor Terekhov are mentioned among the possible candidates.
Shmyhal currently heads the Ministry of Energy. Fedorov serves as Minister of Defence. Terekhov remains mayor of Kharkiv — one of the key frontline cities, which is regularly under Russian attack.
This list suggests that the authorities are seeking a candidate not merely to formally replace the prime minister, but also to lead the government during a period of military, energy and security challenges.
The possible appointment of Serhiy Koretskyi would signify a commitment to a manager with experience in strategic state-owned companies and the energy sector.
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