Ukraine plans to bring war veterans into presidential office staff

The Office of the President of Ukraine is preparing a major reform that would integrate military personnel with frontline experience into its structure, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Presidential Office, announced.

“We are introducing something important. It’s about people who have been through the front. They know what discipline, responsibility, and brotherhood mean. And most importantly – caring,” Yermak wrote in a statement on Telegram, Caliber.Az reports. 

According to him, the reform envisions that a significant share of staff across all departments of the Office will be either active service members with proven combat experience in the ongoing full-scale war or veterans of combat operations.

“This applies to employees at all levels, in every department without exception,” he said, noting that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already backed the initiative.

Yermak argued that bringing veterans into the state administration would strengthen decision-making and accelerate processes. 

“They don’t look for excuses; they look for solutions to achieve results,” he said.

He pointed to his deputy, Colonel Pavlo Palisa, as an example of how military experience translates into effective governance. Palisa previously commanded the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade “Kholodnyi Yar” before joining the presidential team. 

“In the war, he was responsible for the lives of his subordinates and the success of combat operations. Now, in the Office, he demonstrates the same speed, honesty, and principle,” Yermak said.

The Presidential Office head emphasised that such integration should not be limited to government institutions. 

“Business, IT, culture – they too should bring veterans into their teams. This makes the system stronger and fairer,” he said, stressing that society must show respect and gratitude to those who defended the country.

By Sabina Mammadli