Zelensky vs. Koretsky: a new internal conflict is growing within Ukraine’s leadership

Tensions are mounting in Ukrainian political circles between President Volodymyr Zelensky and recently appointed Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky.

Several sources told the outlet Strana about this.

According to a source in political circles, Koretsky came to the government as a man from the inner circle of the president — Andriy Yermak, Mindich, and others. Before his appointment as prime minister, he was tested at Ukrnafta, seized from Kolomoisky, and then headed NAK Naftogaz. In these positions, Koretsky established himself as an executive manager willing to carry out any instructions, which became the basis for his nomination to lead the Cabinet of Ministers.

However, according to sources, in the government Koretsky “seems like a different person.” He is ignoring a number of instructions and requests from Zelensky and his inner circle. In addition, the source points to his contacts with the “grant community,” which, in his words, “together with NABU and SAP is waging an information and political war against Zelensky.” Koretsky is also accused of communicating with Europeans behind the back of Bankova and complaining to them about the “president’s willfulness.”

“In general, he is susceptible to fame and PR, and that is not appreciated at Bankova. Besides, he simply lacks the competence to manage the enormous government machinery. He is not coping with certain tasks. Some ministers are unhappy with him — they are ‘dripping’ on him to Zelensky. All of this together is creating growing tension in the relationship between the president and the prime minister,” the source says.

According to the source, expectations are widespread in political circles that in spring Zelensky will arrange Koretsky’s dismissal, “hanging” on him the responsibility for the problems the country will face in winter.

The outlet Strana notes that even on the eve of the new prime minister’s appointment, it had anticipated the possibility of a rapid cooling of relations between Koretsky and Zelensky.

Earlier, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko accused the central authorities of blocking funds for Kyiv.