---
title: "Sergey Koretskyi Assesses Ihor Klymenko: \"A Strong Professional,\" but the Decision Lies with the President"
description: "Sergey Koretskyi highly rated the work of Ihor Klymenko, calling him a strong professional. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that the decision on appointing the Minister of Defense is made by the President. 🇺🇦🏛️"
date: 2026-07-16T08:44:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/koretskyi-assesses-klymenko-strong-professional-decision-lies-with-president
tags: [sergey-koretsky, igor-klimenko, ukraine, ministry-of-defense, verkhovna-rada]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Sergey Koretskyi Assesses Ihor Klymenko: "A Strong Professional," but the Decision Lies with the President

![Igor Klymenko, evaluated by Sergei Koretsky as a strong professional, in an office setting](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/16/koretskiy-ocenil-klimenko-silnyy-professional-reshenie-za-prezidentom/koretskiy-ocenil-klimenko-silnyy-professional-reshenie-za-prezidentom-1.webp)

Within the walls of the Verkhovna Rada, a debate has erupted regarding the future composition of the government and key ministerial portfolios. The central issue is the potential transfer of Ihor Klymenko from the post of Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Defense. On this matter, the current Prime Minister, Sergey Koretskyi, has voiced his opinion.

### High Evaluation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Koretskyi did not hide his attitude towards the activities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Referring to his own practical experience, he emphasized that he personally observed the work of the department during a difficult winter period. According to the Prime Minister, he highly rates the results achieved by the ministry and separately highlights the work of its head.

"I believe he is a strong, professional, and effective minister," declared Koretskyi, responding to questions from deputies.

### The Concept of a "Government of Defense"

The main message of Koretskyi's speech boiled down to the fact that the new government must become a government of defense. He expressed confidence that this goal is achievable, relying on the team's desire, the internal need to protect the country, and general unity.

However, when the discussion turned to specific personnel changes for the post of Minister of Defense, the Prime Minister clearly defined the boundaries of his responsibility. Koretskyi reminded that the final decision regarding the candidate for the head of the Ministry of Defense lies within the exclusive competence of the President.

### The Fate of Mykhailo Fedorov

During the session, the question of the possible retention of Mykhailo Fedorov in the new Cabinet of Ministers was also raised. On this matter, Sergey Koretskyi responded with restraint, noting that premature discussions about the composition of the government are impossible until the moment of the official vote in the Rada on his own appointment.