Media: Who will run Ukraine’s presidential office next?

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not yet decided who will become the next head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, according to RBC-Ukraine, however, several senior figures are already being widely discussed as potential candidates.

Among those being considered are Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal, First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa.

“Three people are those the president thought of immediately, while Palisa has proven himself well in his work,” one source told RBC-Ukraine.

At the same time, the potential appointment of Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko is considered unlikely, with officials reportedly reluctant to trigger another change at the top of government.

“I think Zelenskyy has already decided that he himself, with the help of the Foreign Ministry and other bodies, should handle foreign affairs, rather than the head of the Office,” another source said.

“Accordingly, domestic politics will fall to the head of the Office. That means it must be a high-level figure whom the elites will respect — otherwise, they will simply destroy him through bureaucratic manoeuvring.”

A further source added that the list of possible candidates is not limited to the four names mentioned, noting that there are at least two other, less obvious contenders.

In any case, the position is expected to remain vacant until at least December 3, when Zelenskyy returns from an overseas trip.

On November 28, Zelenskyy confirmed the resignation of his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, following an anti-corruption raid on his apartment in Kyiv’s government district. Yermak, who has been one of Zelenskyy’s closest advisers since Russia’s full-scale invasion, said he is fully cooperating with authorities and has not been formally charged with any wrongdoing.

In a statement from Kyiv, Zelenskyy thanked Yermak for his service, particularly his role in negotiations and defending Ukraine’s national position. 

Yermak’s departure comes at a sensitive moment, as discussions continue over a potential peace initiative led by US President Donald Trump.

By Aghakazim Guliyev