Story perspectives

Koretsky Named PM, Defence Slot Vacant Amid Protests

7/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Parliament confirmed Naftogaz chief Serhiy Koretsky as Ukraine’s prime minister with 289 votes to ready country for winter.
Interior minister Ihor Klymenko refused the defence minister post, leaving the wartime cabinet’s portfolio vacant as thousands marched in Kyiv and other cities demanding the ousted minister’s return.
Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, resigned after six months, having boosted drone output and secured SpaceX’s denial of Starlink to Russia.

History

Historical Context

After the Euromaidan protests ousted President Viktor Yanukovych, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Arseniy Yatsenyuk as prime minister on 27 February 2014, confirming him with 371 votes. That emergency cabinet reshuffle, amid coalition collapse and war, established a pattern of swift ministerial changes. Today, Naftogaz chief Serhiy Koretsky’s appointment and Ihor Klymenko’s refusal echo the 2014 scramble for posts.

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Story summary

Parliament confirmed Naftogaz chief Serhiy Koretsky as Ukraine’s prime minister with 289 votes to ready country for winter.
Interior minister Ihor Klymenko refused the defence minister post, leaving the wartime cabinet’s portfolio vacant as thousands marched in Kyiv and other cities demanding the ousted minister’s return.
Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, resigned after six months, having boosted drone output and secured SpaceX’s denial of Starlink to Russia.

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