Update: Zelensky nominates Naftogaz CEO Koretskyi to be Ukraine's next prime minister

President Volodymyr Zelensky has nominated Serhii Koretskyi, CEO of state oil and gas company Naftogaz, to be Ukraine's next prime minister, Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk said on July 15.

The parliament, also known as the Verkhovna Rada, has received Zelensky's proposal and will "consider it in the near future" according to procedure, Stefanchuk said.

Earlier in the day, Koretskyi met with Zelensky's Servant of the People faction, according to lawmaker David Arakhamia, the head of the faction.

The meeting followed Zelensky's decision on July 12 to reshuffle the Cabinet of Ministers. The Ukrainian parliament approved Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko's dismissal on July 14.

"We held a meeting of our parliamentary faction and met with Serhii Koretskyi to discuss his vision for the Cabinet of Ministers and the government's structure," Arakhamia wrote on Telegram.

Arakhamia said that "Koretskyi has extensive experience in both the corporate and public sectors and has built a strong track record at (oil company) Ukrnafta and Naftogaz."

He added that, during the last heating season, natural gas was the only energy source that continued to be supplied reliably to consumers despite Russian attacks on gas production and storage facilities.

"We believe this experience will be invaluable, especially now as Ukraine prepares for what could be the most difficult winter in its history," Arakhamia said. "Koretskyi said the government's top priorities would be (social) support for the public, preparing for the upcoming heating season, strengthening the Defense Forces, and protecting critical infrastructure."

Zelensky also commented on Koretskyi later on July 15.

He said that "our diplomats — and everyone else — will do everything possible to force Russia to engage in dialogue and secure a ceasefire."

"If we're heading into winter, we have to be ready," Zelensky added. "We've been preparing for it for a long time already, but the priorities are clear: getting the country ready for winter. That's why, after all the consultations, Serhii Koretskyi is probably the best-prepared person to serve as Ukraine's prime minister."

According to a draft parliamentary schedule, lawmakers will vote on Koretskyi's nomination the morning of July 16.