Ukraine’s parliament on Thursday approved Sergii Koretskyi as the country’s new prime minister, making him the third wartime head of government as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Koretskyi, 48, is an engineer and economist by training and is taking up his first government position. He has no known affiliation with any political party, a factor analysts say could strengthen his ability to lead a broad-based administration.
Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko, director of the Penta think tank, said Koretskyi’s reputation as an effective manager combined with his political neutrality gives him a distinct advantage.
Koretskyi brings more than two decades of experience in the energy sector, having worked in oil production, refining, energy retail, wholesale management and international financing.
Since May 2025, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state-owned oil and gas company, which oversees much of the country’s natural gas production, imports and supply.
His appointment comes as Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of the ongoing war with Russia while seeking to strengthen its economy and energy security.