Story perspectives

Zelensky Appoints Naftogaz Chief PM, Sparks Citywide Protests

7/16/2026

Left

Ukrainians Protest Reshuffle

Hundreds gathered outside Kyiv’s Ivan Franko National Theatre, chanting “Shame!” to protest Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Naftogaz chief Sergii Koretskyi as Ukraine’s prime minister with 289 votes on July 16.
Similar demonstrations erupted in Lviv, Odesa and Dnipro, showing broad public discontent with the reshuffle.
Volunteer Maria Berlinska warned that removing Fedorov could endanger hundreds of thousands’ lives and health.

Right

Koretskyi Becomes PM

Sergii Koretskyi, 48, an engineer-economist with twenty years in Ukraine’s energy sector, has no government experience or party ties.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Naftogaz chief Sergii Koretskyi as Ukraine’s prime minister, winning 289 parliamentary votes on July 16.
Preparing for the next winter’s energy attacks remains the government’s top priority, Zelenskyy said.
The July 16 vote made him Ukraine’s third wartime prime minister.

History

Historical Context

The 27 February 2014 appointment of Arseniy Yatsenyuk—backed by President Petro Poroshenko and confirmed by 341 parliamentary votes—followed the Euromaidan uprising and aimed to steer a war-torn, energy-dependent Ukraine. On 16 July, parliament repeated this technocratic pattern, approving Naftogaz chief Sergii Koretskyi as prime minister with 289 votes, underscoring the continued reliance on energy experts amid Russian aggression.

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Ukrainians Protest Reshuffle

Hundreds gathered outside Kyiv’s Ivan Franko National Theatre, chanting “Shame!” to protest Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Naftogaz chief Sergii Koretskyi as Ukraine’s prime minister with 289 votes on July 16.
Similar demonstrations erupted in Lviv, Odesa and Dnipro, showing broad public discontent with the reshuffle.
Volunteer Maria Berlinska warned that removing Fedorov could endanger hundreds of thousands’ lives and health.

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