Zelenskyy offers Naftogaz CEO post of prime minister, outlines key priorities – Ukrainska Pravda sources

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with Naftogaz CEO Serhii Koretskyi and offered him the post of prime minister. Koretskyi said he is willing to take on the role.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda's article Zelenskyy reshuffles government: Svyrydenko to step down, Koretskyi heads Cabinet, intrigue surrounds Fedorov (English translation coming soon)

Details: According to Ukrainska Pravda's sources, Zelenskyy outlined the main priorities for the future government during the meeting, including preparing the country for the most difficult winter, protecting energy and fuel infrastructure, stabilising the economy and ensuring the effective management of international assistance.

The head of Naftogaz is currently Zelenskyy's preferred candidate for the post of prime minister.

The president has closely followed Koretskyi's work in recent years and considers him one of the country's strongest public managers, particularly after his turnaround of Ukrnafta from a heavily loss-making company into a highly profitable one.

Koretskyi was surprised by the offer, the sources said.

The president asked whether he would be willing to head the government if the need arose, and Koretskyi responded positively.

Sources in the Office of the President say the head of Naftogaz acknowledged that he does not fully realise the scale of the challenges that lie ahead, but said he is ready to try.

Zelenskyy has also held meetings with Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Terekhov "thanked [the president] for the trust placed in him" but said he wants to remain mayor of Kharkiv, while Shmyhal "was not seriously offered the post of prime minister".

Background:

• Zelenskyy has announced the need for a reshuffle of Ukraine's government and said changes will also be made to the leadership of the country's law enforcement agencies.
• Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko effectively confirmed after a meeting with Zelenskyy that she is stepping down.
• No final decision has yet been made on Ukraine's next prime minister, although four candidates are under consideration: Serhii Koretskyi, Denys Shmyhal, Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Ihor Terekhov.

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