Ukraine Appoints New Prime Minister Amid Government Reshuffle

In a major government reshuffle, Ukraine's Parliament has approved Serhii Koretskyi as the new Prime Minister. His appointment follows the resignation of Yulia Svyrydenko and comes amid protests against the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for winter preparations as tensions with Russia escalate. This leadership change is seen as crucial for Ukraine's ongoing military reforms and energy security. Read on to discover more about the implications of this significant political shift.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2026, 18:52 IST

New Leadership in Ukraine

In a significant reshuffle led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's Parliament has confirmed Serhii Koretskyi, the head of the state energy firm Naftogaz, as the new Prime Minister. Zelenskyy highlighted Koretskyi's extensive experience in the energy sector, asserting that he is well-equipped to prepare Ukraine for the upcoming wartime winter. The vote concluded with 289 members in favor of his appointment.

Koretskyi's rise to the premiership follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who stepped down on Sunday, prompting the entire cabinet to resign as per Ukrainian law. Although Svyrydenko held the position for less than a year, she is anticipated to take on another significant role within the government. His appointment coincided with protests outside Parliament, where demonstrators expressed their discontent over Zelenskyy's decision to dismiss Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after just six months in office. Critics have voiced concerns that this change could hinder military reforms amid ongoing conflict.

President Zelenskyy's Comments

In response to the new appointment, Zelenskyy emphasized the government's focus on winter preparations, anticipating renewed Russian assaults on Ukraine's energy systems. He stated, "The priorities are clear – preparing for winter. Therefore, following all the consultations, Serhii Koretskyi is surely the most prepared candidate for the post of Prime Minister of Ukraine."