Ukraine’s parliament on Thursday approved Serhiy Koretsky, the head of state energy company Naftogaz, as the country’s new prime minister as part of a major government reshuffle initiated by President Volodymyr Zelensky.Koretsky was nominated by Zelensky, who said his experience in the energy sector made him the best candidate to help Ukraine prepare for another wartime winter. Parliament approved his appointment with 289 votes in favor.The appointment came after former Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko resigned on Sunday. Under Ukrainian law, his resignation led to the resignation of the entire cabinet. Sviridenko, who served as prime minister for less than a year, is expected to remain in a more senior role in the government.Speaking about the appointment, Zelensky said the government’s priority is to prepare the country for winter as Russia is expected to resume attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.Zelensky said, “The priorities are clear – preparation for winter. Therefore, after all the consultations, Serhiy Koretsky is definitely the most prepared candidate for the post of Prime Minister of Ukraine.”The appointment is part of a broader cabinet reshuffle in which Zelensky removed several senior officials, including Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The President has said the changes are aimed at ‘refreshing’ the country’s leadership and pursuing an ‘updated political strategy’.Fedorov’s dismissal has sparked criticism in Ukraine, with some lawmakers and military reform advocates warning that replacing him after only six months could hurt defense reforms during the war. He said they have gained the trust of Ukraine’s Western partners and have played a key role in expanding drone procurement and modernizing the country’s defense sector.This move also sparked protests in Kiev. Protesters gathered outside the parliament and the presidential office and held placards reading, “Fedorov is the defense minister”, “Why?” and “Don’t change what works”, chanting “Shame on you”, local media reported.Parliament is expected to approve more cabinet appointments on Thursday as part of an overhaul of the government. Interior Minister Ihor Klimenko is expected to become the new defense minister, lawmakers have said, although the appointment has not yet been officially confirmed.