Zelensky is considering six candidates for the post of new head of the Presidential Office

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering six candidates for the post of head of the Presidential Office to replace the dismissed Andriy Yermak.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing sources.

According to the outlet, the four most discussed candidates are: Ukraine’s Defense 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 Palysa. There is also talk of two “less obvious candidates,” whose names are not mentioned in the article.

“It seems to me Zelenskyy has already decided that he himself, with the help of the Foreign Ministry and other institutions, should handle external affairs, not the head of the Office. Accordingly, domestic politics will fall to the head of the Presidential Office,” the source said.

On 28 November, Zelenskyy announced Yermak’s resignation. In a video address, he thanked his chief of staff for ensuring that Ukraine’s position in negotiations had been presented “as it should have been.”

Earlier the same day, searches were conducted at Yermak’s home amid a corruption scandal in the energy sector, although no formal charges have been brought against the former official.