Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, said work is underway to involve more military personnel in his institution “at all levels” on Friday, Aug. 22.
Yermak said President Volodymyr Zelensky “supported the idea.”
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“Today I proposed to the President of Ukraine to reform the Office. The idea is that a significant number of employees of the Office should be military personnel with confirmed combat experience of a full-scale war or veterans of combat operations,” Yermak wrote on Telegram.
Yermak said the move is motivated by the traits and experiences of military personnel, citing his deputy as an example.
“I know very well how the pace changes when people who have been to war are around. They do not look for excuses; they look for solutions on how to achieve a result,” he wrote.
“An example is nearby. My deputy, Colonel Pavlo Palisa, previously commanded the 93rd separate mechanized brigade ‘Kholodny Yar,’” he added. “During the war, he was responsible for the lives of his subordinates and the success of combat operations. Now, in the Office, he demonstrates the same speed, honesty, and principle – for him, this means remaining faithful to himself and his country.”
Yermak also called for other sectors – including businesses – to hire more military personnel.
While the message is direct, recent developments indicate the move could also be intended to strengthen ties with the military and other groups.
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For one, Zelensky has come under public pressure recently following his anti-corruption rollback (which he ultimately reversed following public outcry). The gambit eroded trust, dropping his approval from 65% in June to 58% in July 2025, according to a poll.
Given the public’s strong support for the military, bringing in more personnel might help restore the reputation of the Presidential Office, which was primarily blamed for the rollback of anti-corruption measures.
Established in 2019, the office has become a key institution under the current administration – though its influence is questioned by some, particularly younger Ukrainians.
A male protester with a placard that says “Democracy for Sale!” above “Presidential Office” and its phone number near Kyiv’s Ivan Franko Theater by the presidential offices on July 24, 2025, to oppose the government’s earlier move to pass a bill weakening anti-corruption agencies despite its later reversal. (Photo by Leo Chiu / Kyiv Post)
Next is Zelensky’s diplomatic tightrope over territorial concessions – pressure from Western allies that will likely clash with the soldiers risking their lives to defend every inch of Ukrainian land.
Though Zelensky has time and time again reminded Western leaders that Ukraine’s Constitution would not allow him – or anyone else – to recognize Russia’s land grab, that pressure can persist in the face of Moscow’s hardline positions.
Lastly, elections.
While elections cannot be held during martial law, rumors suggest former Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny might run – claims his aides have denied.
Given Zaluzhny’s popularity, Zelensky may still need to prepare for that scenario if the war ends soon, particularly as peace talks appear to advance.
Both Zaluzhny and Zelensky’s team insist, however, that this is a matter for after the war.
“The main thing is that they give me the opportunity to end the war, and not split the state before that. This is the only request to all those who want to,” Zelensky told reporters on Thursday.
