Oleksandr Kubrakov Appointed as Presidential Advisor
In a move to bolster infrastructure development and local governance, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has named Oleksandr Kubrakov as his advisor on infrastructure and community relations. The appointment, formalized by decree No. 66/2026, comes at a critical time for Ukraine as it seeks to rebuild and strengthen its internal systems. This role is seen as a key step in advancing major projects and improving coordination with local communities across the nation.
Background and Previous Challenges
Oleksandr Kubrakov previously served as Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine, but the Verkhovna Rada voted for his dismissal from that post in May 2024, with 272 MPs supporting the decision. In July 2025, the State Bureau of Investigations conducted searches at his premises as part of a case involving potential fraudulent activities linked to MP Yevhenii Shevchenko. Despite these events, in 2025, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov appointed Kubrakov as his advisor on a pro bono basis.
President Zelenskyy met with Kubrakov in 2026, signaling a continuation of their working relationship. In a statement, Oleksandr Kubrakov said:
“During these critical days for the entire country, it is especially important to work together to support and protect people. I am ready to direct all my expertise and experience toward implementing projects that strengthen the resilience of our economy and infrastructure. We are focused on delivering results.”
Kubrakov's new appointment marks a significant effort to accelerate Ukraine's infrastructure initiatives, which are vital amid ongoing economic pressures. Enhancing cooperation with local communities is expected to lead to more effective project implementation that meets the needs of residents. Given his past controversies, this role presents both a test for Kubrakov and an opportunity to restore confidence in public institutions through tangible outcomes.