Key facts
- Naftogaz CEO Serhii Koretskyi is expected to be appointed Ukraine's next prime minister.
- Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is expected to be appointed Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the planned government changes.
- The move aims to bring fresh thinking and strengthen Ukraine's war effort and international standing.
- Parliamentary approval is required for the new prime minister and cabinet.
Ukrainian lawmakers are preparing to vote on a new government following President Volodymyr Zelensky's unexpected dismissal of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Zelensky stated the move was intended to bring fresh thinking and bolster Ukraine's efforts in securing air defenses, pursuing EU membership, and preparing for potential Russian attacks on the power grid this winter.
Serhii Koretskyi, the current CEO of state oil and gas firm Naftogaz, is widely expected to be appointed as the next prime minister. He is viewed as a respected technocrat whose focus on energy security would be crucial given recent Russian strikes on infrastructure. Other potential candidates mentioned include Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal and current Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Concerns have been raised by some opposition lawmakers and analysts about the potential for instability, particularly if key figures like Defense Minister Fedorov are moved from their posts. The parliamentary procedure to approve the new government is expected to begin soon. This reshuffle follows a series of wartime changes within the administration, with the last significant one occurring late last year.