Ukraine’s parliament approves new cabinet with key EU-focused appointment

On Thursday, Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada approved a new government lineup proposed by Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, marking a significant wartime reshuffle. The vote passed with 264 votes in favor for the package of appointments, excluding the defence and foreign ministers, which fall under the president’s quota.

Promotion of long-serving EU ambassador

A standout appointment is Vsevolod Chentsov, Ukraine’s long-serving Permanent Representative (ambassador) to the European Union, who has been named Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration. Chentsov replaces Taras Kachka, who held the position for about a year.

Chentsov brings nearly two decades of specialized experience in European affairs. A low-profile but highly regarded diplomat among EU insiders, he has earned positive regard from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Sources indicate his candidacy for the role was considered as early as last year, with Zelenskyy personally interviewing him; he was passed over then at the request of the previous prime minister but now steps into the position at a critical time for Ukraine’s EU accession and defence cooperation efforts.

New Prime Minister: Serhii Koretskyi – background and priorities

Serhii Koretskyi, 48, assumes the role of Prime Minister after serving as CEO of the state-owned energy giant Naftogaz since May 2025. Born on 14 March 1978 in Lutsk, he holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Economics from Lutsk State Technical University, as well as in Oil and Gas Production from Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas.

Koretskyi boasts over 20 years in Ukraine’s fuel and energy sector. He previously led the private Western Oil Group JV and Continuum Group (including the WOG gas station network), founded the Idealist Coffee Co. chain, and served as CEO of energy trader Centurion Group SA. From 2022 to 2025, he headed state companies Ukrnafta and Ukrtatnafta before taking the helm at Naftogaz.

His appointment underscores priorities around energy security and winter preparedness amid ongoing Russian attacks on infrastructure. Koretskyi has emphasized equipping Ukraine’s Defence Forces as a top task. Parliament approved his nomination with strong support (289 votes), positioning him as a technocratic manager with deep energy expertise.

Other notable cabinet moves – and defence controversy

The new government includes Ivan Vyhivskyi, current head of the National Police, as Interior Minister. Defence and foreign minister positions remain pending presidential nominations.

The reshuffle has not been without controversy. As previously reported, the dismissal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov – a reform-minded technocrat who served only six months – has sparked public protests and questions from EU partners about continuity in defence projects and innovation.

EU officials express surprise over Fedorov’s dismissal amid Ukraine’s government reshuffle

While the new cabinet advances European integration priorities through Chentsov’s elevation, sustaining momentum on defence reforms and EU-funded initiatives will be an early test for Koretskyi’s team.

The article in Ukrainian by EUalive’s partner European Pravda can be found here.

Caption: A photo dated 6 May 2023 of Vsevolod Chentsov, who was named Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration. [Council Newsroom]