Zelensky appointed Koretsky as Prime Minister after Svyrydenko's resignation

On Sunday, July 12, President Volodymyr Zelensky unexpectedly decided to reboot the government early, proposing Yulia Svyrydenko to head the Ukrainian embassy in the United States.

This rotation was a logical continuation of the long-term changes in the balance of power on Bankova Street, which accelerated after the searches and suspicions against the former head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak. Although the formal parliamentary majority remained unchanged, the real architecture of power underwent significant transformations. The President retained the role of a sole leader, but his entourage was replenished with several decentralized centers of influence, which forced a review of the model of interaction with the Cabinet of Ministers.

Reasons for accelerated retirement

The first reason that made the change of government inevitable was the president's fatigue with the model of "government babysitting." Svyridenko fit perfectly into the system, where almost all decisions were coordinated directly with Bankova. However, over time, Zelensky increasingly expected independence and ready-made management decisions from the prime minister. At meetings, he repeatedly hinted that the government could solve certain issues without his personal intervention.

The second reason was the calendar factor. Ukraine completed the main international events of the summer season - negotiations with financial partners, the NATO summit and the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk. Before the start of the autumn political season, a short period of relative calm formed, which allowed for a rotation without undue haste. The new prime minister was given several weeks to form a team and prepare for the most difficult period - winter.

The third reason was the systemic tension around the defense budget. Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, who had been actively promoting mobilization and support reforms, faced resistance from several factions that had accumulated around defense spending during the Great War. His actions aimed at stopping corruption schemes aroused discontent both in general circles and among commercial groups. The president found himself faced with a choice between maintaining public support through Fedorov’s reforms and the stability of the old system.

The role of the conversation with Stefanishyna

The final catalyst for the accelerated changes was the president’s meeting with Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Olga Stefanishyna, last week. She announced her intention to leave the diplomatic service due to the high probability of suspicion from NABU in an old case and her desire to take a break to resolve personal issues. For Zelensky, this news became an opportunity to solve several personnel tasks at once. The vacant position of ambassador in Washington made it possible to offer Svyrydenko a new role, which was unexpected but acceptable for her.

Svyrydenko, who presented the country's long-term economic strategy, did not expect such a turn of events, but she agreed. Her career as prime minister lasted less than a year - between two Ukraine Recovery Conferences. The appointment as ambassador to the United States was a logical continuation of her previous experience working with European and American integration.

Candidates for Prime Minister

After talking with Svyrydenko, the president held a series of meetings with potential successors. Among the names mentioned by the head of the Servant of the People faction, Davyd Arakhamia, were Mykhailo Fedorov, Denys Shmyhal, Ihor Terekhov, and Serhiy Koretsky. The real weight of these candidates turned out to be different.

Mikhail Fedorov declined the offer, as he had just become the Defense Minister a few months earlier and had begun implementing his own vision of reforms. Taking over as Prime Minister on the eve of winter would mean starting all over again. The President also considered the possibility of transferring Igor Klymenko from the Interior Ministry to the position of Defense Minister, but no final decisions have been made regarding the power bloc yet.

Ihor Terekhov, the mayor of Kharkiv, was invited to the meeting mainly for political reasons. Arakhamia sees him as one of the potential leaders of the future regional managers project. Terekhov thanked for the trust, but decided to remain as mayor, while receiving the status of a national manager.

Denys Shmyhal met with the president, but did not receive a serious offer to head the government. The real favorite was Serhiy Koretsky, head of Naftogaz. Zelensky had long observed his work and considered him one of the most effective state managers, especially after the successful transformation of Ukrnafta from a loss-making to a profitable company.

Priorities of the new government

During the conversation, the president outlined to Koretsky the main tasks: preparing the country for the most severe winter since the Great War, protecting energy and fuel infrastructure, stabilizing the economic situation, and effectively managing international aid. According to the authorities, Russia plans to inflict maximum blows on the energy sector, gas production, and the fuel system before the onset of cold weather.

Koretsky honestly admitted that he does not fully understand the scale of the challenges that await him, but is ready to take on responsibility. His appointment should take place after the completion of consultations within the coalition. As of the morning of July 13, only the decision on Svyrydenko's resignation remained finally agreed.

Rotation in the power unit

The President also announced changes among the security forces. The possibility of appointing the first deputy head of the SBU, Oleksandr Poklad, to the position of full-fledged head of the service is being considered. Due to the caution of the deputies, who already have the experience of seven years in power, the likely scenario is to first issue a decree on the performance of duties. This decision may affect the relationship between the Office of the President and Kirill Budanov.

In general, the process of forming a new government is ongoing. Most decisions regarding the composition of the Cabinet of Ministers, the distribution of ministries, and personnel are still at the stage of coordination. The lists of candidates that appear in the media may change repeatedly.

International context and implications

Svyrydenko's resignation comes amid Ukraine's active diplomatic work. The appointment of experienced manager Koretsky as prime minister could strengthen coordination between the government and international partners in preparing for the winter period. Energy security remains a top priority for Western donors, who provide Ukraine with significant financial and technical assistance.

Zelensky, as is tradition, has gone on another international visit after launching the personnel processes. This approach allows the team to independently resolve internal conflicts and present the president with an already agreed result. Further appointments are expected in the coming days.