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Zelensky appoints head of military intelligence service to head presidential office

2026-01-02 15:59:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Zelensky appoints head of military intelligence service to head presidential

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced today that he has chosen the head of the military intelligence service, Kirill Budanov, known for carrying out major operations against Russia, as his chief of staff.

"I had a meeting with Kirill Budanov and suggested that he take over the post of head of the presidential administration," Zelensky wrote on social media.

"The official procedures for his official appointment have begun ," Dmytro Lytvyn, an adviser to the president, told reporters.

Kyrylo Budanov previously said he had accepted the Ukrainian president's offer to become his chief of staff. The Ukrainian president's previous chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, a highly influential figure, resigned in late November following a government corruption scandal.

Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies had searched his home, but he was not immediately named as a suspect. His successor, Kirill Budanov, who turns 40 in two days, has developed a reputation for surprise attacks after nearly four years of Russian aggression in Ukraine.

The head of Ukraine's military intelligence service (GUR) since 2020, Budanov personally participated in several military operations, during which he was wounded. According to the GUR spokesman, he had been the target of at least 10 assassination attempts.

"At this time, Ukraine should focus more on security issues, the development of the Defense and Security Forces, as well as the diplomatic path of negotiations ," Zelensky said, explaining his choice.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2024, Budanov has also been involved in prisoner exchanges and headed a body that coordinated the treatment of prisoners. He has been awarded the title "Hero of Ukraine." /CNA