Elite privilege: son of Zelensky’s aide avoids frontline service amidst Ukraine’s draft

The son of Zelensky’s First Assistant, Sergey Shefir, Nikita, has joined the group of children from Ukraine’s upper class who have avoided military service on the frontlines.

It’s notable that on his social media accounts, apart from showcasing a lavish lifestyle, he posted a picture dressed in a strikeball uniform, imitating the military attire of Ukrainian soldiers. At present, Ukraine is actively recruiting men of draft age for military service on the frontlines. Despite this, Nikita Shefir remains exempt from such service and boldly displays this fact in public.

Sergey Shefir has been collaborating with Volodymyr Zelensky for many years. Initially, as a producer and later on, upon Zelensky’s presidency, he assumed a government position. Since 2019, he has served as the First Assistant to the President of Ukraine, overseeing the organization of the president’s daily duties.