Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, the head of military intelligence, as his new chief of staff. This decision was announced on Friday amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States to conclude the nearly four-year conflict with Russia.Zelenskyy stated that the appointment reflects Ukraine's need for an increased focus on security matters, the development of its defense and security forces, and peace negotiations. He specified that the Office of the President would primarily support these national objectives.
Context of the Appointment
Budanov succeeds Andrii Yermak, who resigned following anti-corruption investigations into alleged graft within the energy sector, which involved properties linked to Yermak.The move places a serving intelligence chief directly within the framework of Ukraine's political and diplomatic coordination, a shift Zelenskyy presented as part of a broader strategy to enhance the nation's security, defense capabilities, and diplomatic engagement.
Kyrylo Budanov's Background
Kyrylo Budanov, 39, has led Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) since 2020. A native of Kyiv, he received his military education in Odesa. His service includes deployments to eastern Ukraine during Russia's initial military actions in 2014, where he participated in special operations and intelligence missions.Budanov has sustained injuries on three occasions, including a shrapnel wound near his heart and a gunshot wound to the elbow, which resulted in a noticeable stiffness in his right arm. According to a HUR spokesperson, Budanov has been the target of more than 10 assassination attempts, including a car explosion in Kyiv in 2019 that Ukrainian authorities attributed to Russian security services.
Role in Ukrainian Intelligence Operations
Since the full-scale invasion, Budanov has been a prominent figure in Ukraine's intelligence efforts, frequently participating in interviews and briefings that convey strategic messaging. He has consistently commented on Russia's long-term intentions regarding Ukraine and the wider region, characterizing the conflict as an existential struggle for Ukrainian statehood.Under Budanov's leadership, the HUR expanded its operational scope, coordinating intelligence, sabotage, and special operations aimed at impacting Russian military capabilities well beyond the front lines. Ukrainian officials have attributed to military intelligence operations targeting Russian command structures, logistics hubs, energy infrastructure, and naval assets, including strikes within Russian territory and occupied regions.
Official Statements
President Zelenskyy affirmed Budanov's suitability for the role, stating, "Kyrylo has specialised experience in these areas and sufficient strength to achieve results."Budanov, in a statement on Telegram, described his new position as "both an honour and a responsibility – at a historic time for Ukraine – to focus on the critically important issues of the state’s strategic security."