The Verkhovna Rada appointed Serhii Koretskyi prime minister of Ukraine on 16 July. A total of 289 members of parliament voted in favour of the decision.
The new head of government named supplying the Defence Forces, expanding Ukraine’s defence industry, preparing the country for winter, meeting the state’s social obligations and continuing Ukraine’s path towards the European Union as his main priorities.
“Our main task is to fully supply Ukraine’s Defence Forces and expand the Ukrainian defence-industrial complex,” Koretskyi said after his appointment.
According to the prime minister, Ukrainian troops must receive sufficient numbers of all types of drones, unmanned ground systems, modern equipment and weapons to defend frontline positions, conduct precision strikes and carry out long-range operations.
Koretskyi said the new Cabinet’s other priorities would include preparing for the heating season, supporting citizens and businesses, ensuring the timely payment of pensions and social benefits, and funding essential public services.
He said the government would pay particular attention to frontline communities that face Russian attacks every day.
Koretskyi also pledged to strengthen cooperation with international partners, attract additional resources and make the most effective possible use of foreign assistance.
“Our strategic course remains unchanged: Ukraine’s full membership of the European Union,” the prime minister said.
What is known about Serhii Koretskyi
Serhii Koretskyi was born in Lutsk on 14 March 1978. He trained as an engineer and economist, studying automotive engineering and business economics at Lutsk State Technical University. He also studied oil and gas extraction at Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas.
Before becoming prime minister, Koretskyi spent more than 20 years working in the energy sector. His experience includes oil production and refining, wholesale and retail fuel sales, corporate management and attracting international financing.
He began his career at the Lutsk-based Continuum fuel holding company, where he progressed from the analytical department to the position of chief executive. He later headed the Western Oil Group and the WOG filling station network.
After leaving Continuum, Koretskyi pursued his own business projects. In 2019, he founded a coffee company and the Idealist Coffee chain.
In November 2022, Koretskyi was appointed to head the state-owned companies Ukrnafta and Ukrtatnafta. In April 2025, the supervisory board of Naftogaz of Ukraine selected him as the company’s chief executive.
Becoming prime minister marked Koretskyi’s first position directly within the state authorities. He is not affiliated with any political party and has a reputation as a professional manager.
Koretskyi has, however, previously participated in political processes. In 2006, he unsuccessfully stood for election to the Verkhovna Rada and the Volyn Regional Council as a candidate for the Lytvyn People’s Bloc. At different times, he also served as an assistant to members of parliament Ihor Yeremeyev and Kateryna Vashchuk.
One of the main challenges facing the new prime minister will be preparing Ukraine’s energy system for the coming winter following Russian attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure. In his first statement after taking office, Koretskyi placed this task alongside supplying the military and preserving economic and social stability.
