Who Is Sergii Koretskyi? Meet Ukraine's New PM, The Third Wartime Leader Handpicked By Zelenskyy

Kyiv: The Ukraine Parliament on Thursday approved the appointment of energy executive Serhii Koretskyi as the new Prime Minister of the country in a major cabinet reshuffle under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership. Koretskyi will be the third Ukraine PM to hold the post since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022.

Koretskyi is set to succeed Yulia Svyrydenko, who was removed as the Prime Minister of Ukraine after being in office for just one year.

Zelenskyy called Koretskyi the ⁠”most prepared candidate” for the post of Prime Minister of Ukraine.

Serhii Koretskyi announced on social media that he is assuming the responsibilities of Prime Minister of Ukraine “with a clear set of priorities”.

He added, “Our foremost task is to fully equip Ukraine’s Defense Forces and accelerate the expansion of our defense industrial base. 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.

At the same time, we are preparing the country for winter while continuing to support Ukrainian citizens and businesses.”

He further noted that the government’s responsibility is to ensure timely payment of pensions, social assistance, and funding for essential public services.

He added that his government will continue to give special attention to frontline communities that endure Russian attacks every day. He highlighted that another key priority is strengthening cooperation with Ukraine’s international partners, securing additional resources, and ensuring the most effective use of international assistance.

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

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of European Union’s executive cabinet European Commission, congratulated Serhii Koretskyi after his appointment as the new Prime Minister of Ukraine.

In a post on X, she wrote, “We look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with Ukraine. We are confident that you will place Ukraine’s European integration at the heart of the country’s transformation effort. You can count on our full support as you advance your ambitious reform agenda. Notably in the areas of the rule of law, energy and other key sectors of the economy.”

Serhii Koretskyi previously served as the CEO of state energy company Naftogaz, which operates the majority of ⁠Ukraine’s gas production, imports and supply. He previously led Ukraine’s state-owned gas company Naftogaz. Koretskyi has more than 20 years of experience in the energy sector.

He is also the Founder of coffee shop chain IDEALIST Coffee Co.

The 48-year-old is an engineer and economist by training. He holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Economics from Lutsk State Technical University, as well as in Oil and Gas Production from Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University. 

Notably, Koretskyi has never held a government post before.

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