Fedorov as Presidential Chief of Staff may trigger talks of post-war politics - NV video

Osadchuk noted that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a very limited pool of people he can appoint to senior government roles because many professionals “are simply unwilling to participate in this political mess,” meaning the president “has to rotate the same names.”

“So right now the discussion is about two or three candidates," he explained.

"But I don’t think any of them actually dream of holding this position. That’s why it’s difficult, and why there still isn’t a final decision.”

He added that he hopes the reshuffle doesn’t damage other key institutions, calling the possible removal of Denys Shmyhal from the Ministry of Defense “insanity for the country’s defense capability.”

Osadchuk was equally critical of the rumored idea of appointing military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov to head the Office of the President, arguing that the HUR is one of Ukraine’s most effective agencies and the country will benefit far more if Budanov continues his military work.

“So everything naturally comes back to Fedorov," Osadchuk conluded.

"I don’t know if he actually wants this post, but I’m afraid the president simply doesn’t have many other options.”

According to Osadchuk, Fedorov is “a competent bureaucrat,” and Zelenskyy will likely benefit from appointing him — though it would be a serious loss for the Digital Transformation Ministry.

“But politically, if the president appoints Fedorov — and maybe that’s what is stopping him — it will be perceived as a signal," he added.

"And here’s my fresh theory I’m telling you right now: it will signal that the war is ending and we’re moving toward elections.”

Osadchuk called that interpretation dangerous, noting the war is ongoing and “we are certainly not moving toward elections.”

He added that Fedorov has long been associated with “new political projects,” including speculation about a future party called Dream, which fueled political expectations.

“So I think part of the political class — especially Servant of the People MPs and some populists — will see his appointment as a sign: ‘Okay, it’s happening — war is ending, elections are coming’.”

Yermak's resignation

On Dec. 5, Ukrainska Pravda, citing government and parliamentary sources, reported that Fedorov is the leading candidate to replace Andrii Yermak as head of the Office of the President.

Sources said that “as of Dec. 4 evening, the decision was nearly final — but by Dec. 5 morning, Zelenskyy was still weighing options.”

Earlier that day, MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak (Holos) said a new chief of staff would be announced “today.”

Yermak resigned on Nov. 28 following searches linked to the large-scale anti-corruption investigation known as Operation Midas. The President publicly confirmed his resignation later that evening.

On Nov. 29, Yermak commented for the first time, saying he will “continue to consider Zelenskyy a friend even after leaving office.”