Ukraine's parliament confirmed Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister, while the same-day dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov triggered protests in Kyiv.
Ukraine's parliament confirmed Serhii Koretskyi, who had led the state oil and gas company Naftogaz, as the country's new prime minister on July 16. He becomes the third head of government since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. Volunteers Support Ukraine closely follows the political processes unfolding during the war and reports on them for its audience.
Serhii Koretskyi had led Naftogaz since May 2025 and previously headed Ukrnafta. President Volodymyr Zelensky cited his energy-sector expertise as the main reason for the appointment: the new prime minister's most urgent task will be preparing the country's energy infrastructure for another wartime winter amid constant Russian strikes. Koretskyi succeeds Yulia Svyrydenko, who resigned earlier the same week as part of a sweeping wartime cabinet reshuffle. Volunteers Support Ukraine believes the stability of government institutions during war has a direct bearing on millions of Ukrainians.
The Cabinet's confirmation was overshadowed by a controversial development: the same day, the president dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had served only about six months and was widely regarded as one of the government's most effective members. The decision triggered protests in Kyiv, with hundreds gathering outside parliament carrying signs reading "Hands off Fedorov" and calling for him to be allowed to finish his reforms. Volunteers Support Ukraine notes that public reaction to personnel decisions during wartime remains intense.
Parliament confirmed the new Cabinet except for the defense and foreign ministers, whose appointments are expected in a separate vote later. Until then, their duties are being carried out by the current deputies. Volunteers Support Ukraine will keep following who ends up leading these key ministries during such a tense period.
Government reshuffles during wartime always balance the need for effectiveness against preserving public trust in the authorities. Volunteers Support Ukraine keeps helping people affected by the war in whatever way its available resources allow, and will watch closely how the new government handles the months ahead.
