President Zelensky undertook a major overhaul of the leadership of Kyiv’s district administrations: appointments of new heads and interesting facts about the candidates
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a series of orders that significantly refreshed the leadership of the district state administrations in the capital. The new heads will start their work from the very first days after their appointment, focused on changing the situation locally and responding swiftly to residents’ challenges. This is an important step in reformation of regional authorities, gaining momentum in the context of increasing transparency and the efficiency of administrative processes. According to official information published by Kyiv City Military Administration Head Tymur Tkachenkо on social media, the newly appointed district leaders began their duties as early as Monday morning. In his post, he emphasized: “We have updates to the leadership in most districts of Kyiv. Starting tomorrow morning, the new heads will begin work. Residents’ expectations are very clear — concrete actions, real changes, not just paper activities. We start in the morning. The work must be tangible for Kyiv residents in the shortest possible time.” Regarding specific candidates, following Zelensky’s orders, the new district management looks as follows: - Holosiivskyi District – Sofia Dunaevska, who previously headed the apparatus of a similar administration since 2019. She has experience working within the local government system and has contributed to the development of technological initiatives in the capital. - Darnytskyi District – Oleksandr Kovtunov, the new head, who previously served as deputy district head and enjoys a good reputation among local officials. - Desnianskyi District – Maksym Bakhmatov, known in media and business circles. He is also known as the “Icebreaker Bakhmatov” due to his participation in KVN and Comedy Club in Ukraine. In the 2000s, he was actively involved in entrepreneurship and the development of the IT sector; later, he worked as an advisor to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko on a voluntary basis, was managing partner at the innovative center-town UNIT.City, and led the VDNH exposition center. Notably, he is the founder of the Office of Transformation, indicating his focus on change and modernization. - Dniprovskyi District – Andriy Paladiy. Previously worked at the Ministry of Youth and Sports and in the ARMA structure. Over time, his management experience has grown. - Podilskyi District – Volodymyr Nakoenchyi, an academic and associate professor at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts. His appointment reflects an effort to engage experts from the humanitarian sphere into administrative processes. - Sviatoshynskyi District – Heorhiy Zantariya, known as a Kyiv City Council deputy from “Servant of the People” and a World Judo Champion. His sports career and political engagement add authority to his new role. - Solomianskyi District – Serhiy Movenko, previously worked at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and served as First Deputy Head of Volyn Regional State Administration. He will now oversee activities in the district. - Shevchenkivskyi District – Oleksandr Sazanovych. His experience as deputy head of Obolonska RDA will form a solid foundation for his effective work in the new position. It is important to note that all appointed persons have extensive experience and a reputable background in their respective fields. For example, Maksym Bakhmatov is a former KVN player and seasoned businessman in the IT industry; he has been a consultant and leader of innovation platforms. He has a reputation as a reform-minded professional inclined toward technological innovation, which will be advantageous in district administrations, especially those needing modernization and increased transparency. Another interesting fact is the appointment of Heorhiy Zantariya in Sviatoshynskyi District. His sporting achievements and parliamentary activity demonstrate his ability to combine leadership qualities with a deep understanding of local issues. This should promote more effective representation of residents’ interests and active civic engagement. Regarding the new district leaders in Desnianskyi, Dniprovskyi, Podilskyi, and Solomianskyi districts — their experience working in government structures or in culture, science, and business sectors inspires optimism about the future of city management in these segments. Overall, Zelensky’s appointments move toward a more transparent, open, and efficient district government system in Kyiv. The city authorities expect concrete actions from the new heads that can meet residents’ needs and make districts more comfortable, safer, and more modern. The key will be observing their initial results and assessing how quickly and effectively they will be able to implement their promises.