Ukraine's parliament on Thursday approved the appointment of Serhii Koretskyi, the head of state energy company Naftogaz, as the country's new prime minister.
Koretskyi was nominated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as part of a broad government reshuffle. His candidacy was supported by 289 votes in parliament.
Zelensky argued that Koretsky's experience in the energy sector makes him the right person to lead Ukraine's preparations for another winter under war conditions, especially at a time when energy infrastructure remains a target of Russian attacks.
The changes in the Ukrainian government have also been accompanied by intense political debate. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside parliament to oppose the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who left office after just six months.
Fedorov, 35, is considered one of the key figures in Ukraine's military modernization. His expertise in technology and innovation has been credited with helping improve the Ukrainian military's capabilities in the face of Russian forces.
President Zelensky has not given an official explanation for Fedorov's departure. However, some unconfirmed reports in Ukrainian media have suggested that the minister had disagreements with the commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi.
The government reshuffle comes at a critical time for Ukraine, as the country continues to struggle to cope with the war and the economic and energy challenges associated with the conflict.
