Zelenskyy backs state energy company chief Koretskyi for new Ukraine PM

Key Points:

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has nominated Sergii Koretskyi, head of state energy company Naftogaz, as the preferred candidate for Ukraine’s next prime minister, emphasizing winter preparedness amid expected Russian strikes on the energy grid.
• Parliament accepted the resignation of current Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and is expected to vote on Koretskyi’s appointment soon, with Zelenskyy’s party holding a parliamentary majority.
• Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov resigned amid the cabinet reshuffle, and Zelenskyy plans to appoint Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as his replacement, a move that has sparked concern among lawmakers and military advocates given ongoing military pressures on Russia.
• Critics argue that replacing Fedorov, who was respected internationally and associated with defence reforms, could negatively impact Ukraine’s defence capabilities and cost lives, while Zelenskyy cites a new political strategy focused on foreign policy and security cooperation as the rationale for the changes.
• The new political strategy includes goals such as licensed manufacturing of Patriot air defence systems, advancing EU membership, and strengthening ties with the Gulf region for security and economic collaboration.