Ukraine’s parliament appointed former state energy executive Sergii Koretskyi as the country’s new prime minister on Thursday, following his endorsement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Koretskyi, who previously led the state-owned energy company Naftogaz, secured the position with 289 lawmakers voting in his favour. He replaces Yulia Svyrydenko, who resigned this week after serving as prime minister for one year.

Zelenskyy had described Koretskyi as the strongest candidate for the position, arguing that his experience in the energy sector would be particularly valuable as Ukraine prepares for another winter during its continuing war with Russia.

“The priorities are clear—preparing for winter,” Zelenskyy told reporters before the parliamentary vote. He said consultations had shown that Koretskyi was the candidate best prepared to lead the government.

Addressing parliament, Koretskyi identified strengthening Ukraine’s defence, maintaining economic stability and advancing the country’s integration into the European Union as his main priorities.

The appointment forms part of a broader government reshuffle that has also drawn attention to changes at the defence ministry. The removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a technology specialist credited with promoting drone warfare and military reforms, has faced criticism from lawmakers and sparked protests in Kyiv.