Zelenskyy appoints new security council chief, Naftogaz head in government reshuffle

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as the next Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, replacing Rustem Umerov.

Zelenskyy said Klymenko would continue working on protecting Ukraine and highlighted the need for closer coordination across the country’s security and defence institutions. He said priorities would include ensuring the implementation of decisions, coordinating defence production and improving cooperation among state agencies, Caliber.Az reports.

"I am grateful to him for his work within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. There have been many difficult challenges, and the response has always been effective. Ihor Klymenko will continue working for Ukraine in the field of protecting our state and people," he wrote on X.

I met with Ihor Klymenko. I am grateful to him for his work within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. There have been many difficult challenges, and the response has always been effective. Ihor Klymenko will continue working for Ukraine in the field of protecting our state and… pic.twitter.com/nUgrvBNrRS

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 17, 2026

Meanwhile, Sergiy Fedorenko has been appointed to lead Naftogaz Ukraine, replacing Sergii Koretskyi, who has become Ukraine’s prime minister.

Zelenskyy said Fedorenko was a qualified professional who had previously worked on the transformation of Ukrnafta. He also praised Koretskyi’s experience in protecting Naftogaz infrastructure from Russian attacks and ensuring sufficient gas reserves ahead of the winter season.

A meeting with Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi. The new Government has already held its first meeting, and today we discussed the steps to be taken in the near future, as well as our work with Ukraine’s partners to implement the agreements reached on supporting Ukraine.

The… pic.twitter.com/SEYGT7RGgR

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 17, 2026

"Work to restore the energy infrastructure following the Russian attacks is also continuing around the clock. Today, the Russians again attacked Naftogaz facilities – unfortunately, there is significant damage. The Prime Minister and I discussed the steps needed under these circumstances. It is important that, despite the ongoing Russian attacks, we implement everything we agreed on to prepare for the winter. Glory to Ukraine!" the Ukrainian president wrote on X. 

Earlier in the day, a Naftogaz gas production facility in the northeastern Kharkiv region was attacked again, causing significant damage, according to Zelenskyy. He said repairs to the country’s energy infrastructure were continuing around the clock as the government worked to prepare for the winter heating season.

By Sabina Mammadli