Ukraine is on the verge of a significant personnel decision: within the next few hours, the country may receive a new Prime Minister. By the morning of July 16, there were practically no doubts left regarding the candidate — it will be Sergey Koretsky, who until recently headed the state-owned company Naftogaz of Ukraine. For many, this news came as a surprise, however, Koretsky himself seems to have been prepared for such a turn of events.

From business to the state machine

Sergey Koretsky's career is a classic example of a successful manager who made a name for himself in the fuel and oil and gas market. Before heading state structures, he managed the WOG gas station network. In 2022, at the suggestion of the former Deputy Head of the President's Office, Rostyslav Shurma, Koretsky was appointed head of Ukrnafta. At that time, the company, which had been nationalized from Igor Kolomoisky, needed serious rehabilitation. By the end of the year, the enterprise had become highly profitable. Experts noted that success largely lay in stopping the artificial underestimation of profits and the withdrawal of funds, however, four years of work under Koretsky's leadership passed successfully.

In April 2025, he headed Naftogaz of Ukraine, where he also demonstrated efficiency by finding financing for gas purchases for the winter. It was this experience that ensured his reputation as an efficient manager and high praise from Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Key tasks for the new Prime Minister

Work in the government will require Koretsky to possess competencies significantly broader than those needed in the energy sector. The President of Ukraine has already determined the main centers of attention for the new head of the Cabinet of Ministers:

  • Preparation for winter: This is priority No. 1. According to unofficial forecasts, the upcoming heating season may be more difficult than the previous one due to the likelihood of massive strikes on energy infrastructure. Protecting the fuel and energy complex will become the main task for the near future.
  • Economic stability: Stabilizing the macroeconomic situation in wartime conditions.
  • Management of international aid: Effective use of resources from donors.

"If we are entering winter, then we must prepare... Therefore, Sergey Koretsky, after all consultations, is probably the most prepared person for the position of Prime Minister of Ukraine," emphasized Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Business expectations and challenges

The business community views the appointment with hope for a more predictable economic policy, the fight against corruption, and systematic dialogue with the authorities. However, Koretsky has no experience working in state structures as an official. He will have to quickly immerse himself in economic issues and work with international donors, which were previously not his main area of responsibility.

Interviewees note that Koretsky knows how to explain complex issues accessibly, which facilitates his communication with the President. In addition, he has diplomatic talent, which can become an important asset in negotiations. The first serious tests for the new Prime Minister will be not only preparation for the heating season but also negotiations with the IMF, as well as managing the government in the conditions of an ongoing war.