Ukraine’s Zelenskyy names five candidates for head of presidential office

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has unveiled a shortlist of five candidates being considered for the post of Head of the Presidential Office (OP), according to RBK-Ukraine.

Among the leading contenders are Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov. However, Zelenskyy noted that appointing either of them would require finding suitable replacements for their current posts — a task complicated by staffing shortages and institutional demands. While the Digital Transformation Ministry has a personnel reserve, Zelenskyy admitted that the Defence Ministry faces more difficulties due to budgetary and military considerations.

The president confirmed that consultations on the appointment are under way, but added that he is “not sure the Rada can find a candidate together with the Cabinet. Because they still cannot find one, to be honest.”

Zelenskyy named First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia as a third candidate, praising his significant role in Ukraine’s diplomatic negotiations.

Two additional contenders are Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, and Pavlo Palisa, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office. Commenting on Palisa, Zelenskyy said: “Palisa is a very good military officer; he specialises strictly in that field. I am sure he will eventually master other areas as well, but for now, I think he may lack some of the necessary experience and could be distracted.”

By Vugar Khalilov