Zelensky dismissed Yermak: who will become the new head of the President's Office.

According to ТСН: On Friday, Andriy Yermak decided to leave his position as head of the President's Office of Ukraine (PO). This decision came after searches conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) at his residence.

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree dismissing Yermak, but has not yet announced who may take this position next.

Ukrainian media are actively discussing several possible candidates, but sources indicate that there are other contenders as well.

According to experts, the vacant position of head of the PO will remain unfilled for at least until the middle of the week, as Zelensky is on a foreign mission.

Mykhailo Fedorov

Mykhailo Fedorov, the Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, is considered one of the candidates for this position. He was born on January 21, 1991, in Vasilivka, Zaporizhzhia region, and received his education at Zaporizhzhia National University. He also studied at the Higher Political School and completed a program in digital transformation strategy at Yale School of Management.

After university, Fedorov founded the SMM STUDIO agency, specializing in promoting businesses online. He joined Zelensky's team during the presidential campaign in 2019 and became the youngest minister in the history of Ukraine.

His main goal at work was to create a 'state in a smartphone', which was realized through the launch of the 'Diia' app and portal in 2020. This project provided electronic passports and access to other state services.

Fedorov is also a member of the National Security and Defense Council and heads the 'Army of Drones' initiative in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

'If, for example, he chooses Fedorov, it will mean, firstly, that Fedorov has won in the war against Yermak, which has been ongoing for a very long time. And, secondly, it will mean that a new, younger, and possibly more attractive (which is very subjective) but just like Yermak has come…'

Pavlo Palisa

Another likely candidate is Colonel Pavlo Palisa, the deputy head of the PO, responsible for defense policy. He was born in 1985 and has experience commanding the 93rd brigade, where he participated in battles for Bakhmut and Izyum.

Palisa has good contacts with American representatives, which could be an advantage in international negotiations.

Denys Shmyhal

Another candidate being discussed is former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. He was born in Lviv in 1975 and has a degree in economic sciences. Shmyhal worked in public administration and was quite a cautious politician, whom the president considers neutral.

'If he heads the PO, then we will have to look for a defense minister again'

Kyrylo Budanov

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, is also likely to be considered for this position. He is known for his achievements in the Anti-Terrorist Operation and has a positive reputation among colleagues.

Yuliia Svyrydenko

Yuliia Svyrydenko, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, has also made it to the list of possible candidates. She has experience in economic matters and has managed important projects, including 'eWork'. Svyrydenko is considered one of the most controversial figures in pro-government circles.

'I fully support such a decision. In my opinion, it would be an ideal solution and a way out of the crisis,' said one of the members of parliament.

Experts believe that the appointment of a new head of the PO is a key issue for the further development of the country amidst war and political changes. The situation remains tense, and the new head could significantly impact the political course of Ukraine.