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In a significant political shift, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking a new chief of staff after the abrupt resignation of Andriy Yermak in late November. Yermak, once a powerful figure within Zelensky’s administration, stepped down amid a major political scandal linked to a $100 million corruption scheme in the energy sector. This scandal emerged against the backdrop of ongoing pressures from Russia’s invasion and recent diplomatic efforts led by the Trump administration to broker peace. Zelensky expressed his frustrations, stating, “It feels like it would be easier to abolish the [President’s] Office than to appoint someone as a replacement.” Consequently, he has compiled a shortlist of candidates for this crucial role.
The facts
The potential successors to Yermak include a mix of experienced politicians and technocrats, each bringing distinct backgrounds and skills. Here are the top contenders:
Denys Shmyhal – Defense Minister
Before the full-scale invasion by Russia, Denys Shmyhal was the governor of Ukraine’s Ivano-Frankivsk region from 2019 to 2025. He then became the minister for community development and was later appointed as Ukraine’s prime minister, a role he held until July 2025, after which he became the defense minister.
Reports from Ukrainian and Western media suggest a complex relationship between Shmyhal and Zelensky. In the summer of 2025, speculation arose that Zelensky was considering Shmyhal’s dismissal as prime minister. A source close to the president indicated, “The President is tired of Shmyhal; this is evident in his demeanor during meetings.” However, Shmyhal managed to retain his position and became Ukraine’s longest-serving prime minister. By July 2025, he was even mentioned as a potential candidate for the role of Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States.
Mykhailo Fedorov – Digital Transformation Minister
At just 34 years old, Mykhailo Fedorov is Ukraine’s youngest cabinet member. Initially serving as Zelensky’s digital campaign manager during the 2019 election, Fedorov became the digital transformation minister in August 2019.
Fedorov has played a key role in numerous digital initiatives, including the launch of the Diia portal and application, which streamlines access to various public services online. He also led the United24 fundraising platform to support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction efforts, a project frequently endorsed by Zelensky. His influence extends to military support, having successfully negotiated the provision of Starlink stations from Elon Musk to ensure reliable internet access for soldiers on the front lines.
Kyrylo Budanov – Defense Intelligence Chief
Known as Ukraine’s top intelligence officer, Kyrylo Budanov has led the Defense Ministry’s Main Directorate of Intelligence since 2025. Budanov’s military career began in special forces, participating in combat during the Donbas conflict starting in 2014. His tenure has been marked by significant covert operations, details of which remain classified.
By 2025, Budanov had attained the rank of major general and received the title of Hero of Ukraine for his extraordinary bravery. During the ongoing conflict with Russia, he and his wife, Marianna Budanova, have sought refuge within the intelligence headquarters due to numerous assassination attempts against him. Reports indicate that Budanov has been actively involved in intelligence operations and has sustained injuries during missions.
Other notable candidates
Additional contenders include Colonel Pavlo Palisa, who has served as Zelensky’s deputy chief of staff since and has a military background, and Sergiy Kyslytsya, a seasoned diplomat who previously acted as Ukraine’s permanent representative to the United Nations. Each candidate presents unique attributes, complicating the decision-making process.
During a recent press briefing, Zelensky expressed concerns about the potential impact of appointing any of these senior officials, likening the situation to a game of Jenga, where removing one piece could destabilize the entire structure. As he deliberates on this crucial appointment, Zelensky acknowledged the possibility of managing without a chief of staff if necessary but emphasized the importance of making a timely decision.