Zelenskyy proposes Naftogaz head Koretskyi to become prime minister
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with Naftogaz CEO Serhiy Koretskyi and offered him the post of prime minister; Koretskyi agreed to try. The meeting outlined key priorities: preparing for the hardest winter, protecting energy infrastructure, stabilizing the economy, and managing international aid.
According to sources from Ukrainska Pravda, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the current head of Naftogaz, Serhiy Koretskyi, and proposed that he lead the Cabinet of Ministers. Koretskyi responded that he is ready to try.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy outlined the main priorities for the future Cabinet: preparing the country for the most difficult winter, protecting energy and fuel infrastructure, stabilizing the economic situation, and effectively managing international aid.
Koretskyi is currently Zelenskyy's favorite for the prime minister position. In recent years, the president has closely followed Koretskyi's work and considers him one of the strongest state managers, especially after the turnaround of Ukrnafta, which Koretskyi took over deeply unprofitable and transformed into a highly profitable company.
According to sources, Koretskyi was surprised by the offer. The president asked if, should the need arise, he would be ready to head the government; the answer was positive. Officials on Bankova Street say Koretskyi admitted he does not fully grasp the scale of challenges ahead but is ready to try.
Zelenskyy has also met with Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal. Terekhov thanked for the trust but said he wants to remain mayor, while Shmyhal was not seriously offered the premiership.
Earlier, the president announced the need to renew the Cabinet and promised changes in law enforcement leadership. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko effectively confirmed she is leaving after meeting with Zelenskyy. Currently, no final candidate has been chosen, but four names are under consideration: Serhiy Koretskyi, Denys Shmyhal, Mykhailo Fedorov, and Ihor Terekhov.
