Council Supports Appointment of Koretsky as New Prime Minister: What the Government Will Look Like

On July 16, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported the proposal to appoint Serhiy Koretsky as the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

As reported by Delo.ua, this became known during the live broadcast of the parliamentary session.

A total of 289 members of parliament voted in favor of the decision.

Koretsky promises a government focused on defense, economic development, and European integration.

"After 20 years in the corporate sector, I headed the state-owned 'Ukrnafta' in 2022. There was a demand for fighting corruption, and we brought in record tens of billions in revenue to a previously loss-making state company. I have always believed that efficiency, regardless of ownership, primarily depends on people—responsibility, professionalism. The Cabinet of Ministers," emphasized the new Prime Minister during his speech in parliament.

He added that he wants the Cabinet of Ministers under his leadership to become a government of defense, economic development, and European integration.

Koretsky highlighted that a crucial task is preparing for and getting through the next winter, supporting businesses for the economic stability of the state, developing and strengthening cooperation with partners, attracting and effectively utilizing international aid, and Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

"I am ready for difficult steps. The main thing is that they work to improve life, to enhance our resilience. In all regions of Ukraine, special attention should be given to frontline areas, which are attacked by Russians almost every day. I want this Cabinet of Ministers to become a government of defense, a government of economic development, a government of European integration," noted the new head of government.

In response to a question about the government's plans to attract and reintegrate three major groups of the population—internally displaced persons, veterans, and families of the deceased, missing, and prisoners, as well as forced refugees abroad—Koretsky noted that the only way to attract additional people to work is through business development.

"I personally believe that our businesses do not have sufficient access to capital. We will definitely work with the Ministry of Economy to provide more lending opportunities," said the new Prime Minister.

Before his appointment, Serhiy Koretsky headed the NAK 'Naftogaz of Ukraine'. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated the day before that he considers him the "most prepared" candidate for the position of Prime Minister.

Earlier, President Zelensky announced an update of the Cabinet of Ministers and the leadership of law enforcement agencies.

On July 14, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported the resignation of Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko.

Representatives of the "Servant of the People" faction have already met with Serhiy Koretsky, during which they discussed his vision for the work of the Cabinet of Ministers, the structure of the government, and key challenges for the country.

Among the main priorities, he named support for citizens, preparation for the heating season, strengthening defense, and protecting critical infrastructure.

In 2023, Koretsky's first major success was the reform of 'Ukrnafta', which subsequently allowed him to be promoted to head 'Naftogaz'. Delo.ua explored who Koretsky is, what he has achieved in previous positions in state enterprises, and what challenges he may face in his new role.

As RBC-Ukraine reported, it is almost certain that the next Cabinet will not include Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Kuleba. His position is again proposed to be split into two: Ministry of Regional Development and Ministry of Restoration.

The Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture will also be divided, while a separate Ministry of Agriculture will be reinstated, which will be headed by Taras Vysotsky.

According to people's deputy Oleksiy Honcharenko, the new government will look as follows:

• First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Energy of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal;
• Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Volodymyr Chentsov;
• Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy of Ukraine - Minister of Culture of Ukraine - Tatyana Berezhnaya;
• Minister for Restoration, Infrastructure, and Transport of Ukraine - candidate not yet nominated;
• Minister for Communities, Territories, and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine - Vitaliy Bezgin;
• Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine - Matviy Bedny;
• Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine - Vitaliy Kim;
• Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine - Ivan Vygovsky;
• Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine - Andriy Butenko;
• Minister of Health of Ukraine - Viktor Lyashko;
• Minister of Finance of Ukraine - Serhiy Marchenko;
• Minister of Economy and Environment of Ukraine - Oleksandr Kravchenko;
• Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine - Taras Vysotsky;
• Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine - Denys Ulyutin;
• Minister of Justice of Ukraine - Denys Maslov;
• Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine - Oksana Ferchuk.

It is noted that the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko is considered the main candidate for the position of Minister of Defense instead of Mykhailo Fedorov.