The latest personnel changes in the President's Office were triggered by the 'Mendichgate' scandal and the resignation of Andriy Yermak. The appointment of Kyrylo Budanov as the new head took place amid President Volodymyr Zelensky's reluctance to alter his established power vertical. The management structure is expected to remain unchanged, with the president continuing to make all key decisions.
Public attention is focused on the transparency of the new chief and possible shifts in his approach, but experts do not foresee significant independence from Budanov. The reshuffles are seen mainly as signals to Western partners, especially the USA and EU, showing a reaction to corruption scandals rather than a genuine change of policy.
Budanov's appointment coincides with changes in the leadership of five regional military administrations. Experts view this as a move to strengthen the new team's position in the presidential office.
As for peace negotiations, their success largely depends on the United States and Donald Trump's personal involvement. Ukraine is reacting to White House initiatives and aims to strengthen its negotiation position with Western help.
The personnel changes in the government do not directly affect the negotiation process. Parliamentary focus has shifted to anticorruption investigations involving deputies, increasing the influence of NABU. This could affect the ruling majority and the functioning of the power vertical in the future.
The changes among the heads of regional administrations reflect the new team's desire to work with trusted individuals. However, the system remains tightly controlled by the president, and no radical policy changes are expected soon.
