Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday (January 2) the appointment of Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Directorate, to lead the President’s Office. This decision comes after Zelensky’s former chief of staff resigned amid a corruption scandal over a month ago.
Zelensky expressed on the social media platform X, saying Ukraine “needs to focus more on security issues, the development of the Ukrainian defense and security forces, and diplomatic negotiations.” He mentioned that Budanov, the head of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry Intelligence Directorate, will now be responsible for these tasks.
“Kyrylo has professional experience in these areas and has the strength to achieve the goals,” Zelensky added, along with a photo of him and Budanov meeting in Kyiv.
In his post on X platform, Budanov stated, “Especially at this crucial moment in our country’s history, focusing on issues crucial to Ukraine’s strategic security is an honor and a profound commitment.”
He also mentioned, “We will continue to do what needs to be done – fight the enemy, defend Ukraine, and tirelessly strive for a just and peaceful resolution.”
Budanov takes over from Zelensky’s former chief of staff Andriy Yermak, who resigned in November due to a corruption investigation.
The 39-year-old Budanov previously led the Ukrainian Defense Ministry Intelligence Directorate, which claimed effective strikes against Russia on several occasions.
Since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Yermak has had significant political influence, leading Ukraine’s negotiating team in crucial talks with the United States aimed at ending the conflict.
In Ukraine, the position of Chief of Staff of the President’s Office has always been a position of great power. While it may seem like an administrative role on the surface, traditionally, the chief of staff, as an aide to the president, not only has close contact with the head of state but also has ample opportunities to influence government operations.
Amid Zelensky’s announcement of Budanov’s latest appointment, Ukraine is seeking to strengthen its position in the peace negotiations brokered by the United States to end the conflict with Russia that has lasted for nearly four years.
Budanov is a highly respected retired military officer with outstanding merits among the Ukrainian people. His appointment as chief of staff at the presidential palace marks a significant shift – traditionally, this position was held by a civilian focusing on domestic political affairs.
Zelensky also announced the appointment of Oleh Ivashchenko, head of the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Directorate, to succeed Budanov and serve as the head of the Defense Ministry Intelligence Directorate.
Additionally, Zelensky appointed Mikhail Fedorov, who currently serves as Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, as the Minister of Defense.