The dismissal of several advisers and the first deputy to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is presented as a move to streamline personnel within the president’s office. Zelensky’s press secretary, Sergei Nikiforov, explained the changes as part of ongoing personnel optimization. He noted that today’s reductions reflect an effort to adjust leadership within the executive branch to better align with current needs. The statement also conveyed the president’s hope that other officials will participate in similar optimization measures to ensure efficient governance. of the President of Ukraine.
On March 30, by decree, Zelensky removed Sergei Shefir from his post as first deputy to the president. Additional changes included removing Oleg Ustenko, Mikhail Radutsky, and Sergei Trofimov from non-staff advisory roles, as well as Alena Verbitskaya from her role as advisor and executive head. Natalya Pushkareva was dismissed from the post of Presidential Commissioner for Voluntary Activities. The president emphasized that the reshuffles aim to refine the leadership team and optimize the president’s outreach and decision-making processes. of the President of Ukraine.
Previously, Zelensky also dismissed the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Danilov, as part of a broader review of key personnel within the administration. The pattern indicates a deliberate attempt to recalibrate oversight and advisory structures to better support strategic priorities and national security objectives. of the President of Ukraine.