The Office of the President is considering replacing the deputy prime minister for European integration: Chentsov instead of Kachka

The Office of the President of Ukraine is considering the candidacy of Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, for the position of Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, to replace the incumbent Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka.

This is reported by Yevropeyska Pravda, citing its own sources.

According to the outlet, President Zelensky wants to replace the “person primarily responsible” for European integration. Under current plans, the position is to be filled by career diplomat Vsevolod Chentsov — Ukraine’s current Permanent Representative to the European Union.

Chentsov has specialized in European affairs for nearly 20 years of his career. He is not a public figure, but is well known to everyone involved in European matters. President Zelensky’s attitude toward Chentsov is characterized as positive.

According to Yevropeyska Pravda, Chentsov’s candidacy for this position was already being considered last year. Zelensky personally conducted an interview with him, but the appointment did not go through at the time — due to a demand from Yulia Svyrydenko.

In the event of personnel changes, Taras Kachka may reportedly move to Brussels.

At the same time, Chentsov has not yet had an interview with the prime minister, and the decision on his appointment could potentially still change depending on the outcome of political consultations in the coming days.