Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, as his new chief of staff, following the resignation of his previous top aide, Andriy Yermak, amid a corruption probe.
“At this time, Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues,” Zelensky wrote on social media, alongside a photo of his meeting with General Budanov.
Budanov, 39, has led the HUR military intelligence and is credited with orchestrating several high-impact strikes against Russian forces since the full-scale invasion in 2022. Zelensky emphasized that Budanov’s expertise in defence, security, and diplomatic negotiations made him well-suited to the role.
“Kyrylo has specialist experience in these areas and sufficient strength to deliver results,” Zelensky said, adding that Budanov had already been instructed to update and present key documents outlining the strategic foundations of Ukraine’s defence.
Defence Minister Changes
In parallel with Budanov’s appointment, Zelensky announced the nomination of Mykhaylo Fedorov, Ukraine’s 34-year-old minister of digital transformation, as the new defence minister. Fedorov is recognized for developing Diya, a centralized digital government platform, and will now focus on modernizing Ukraine’s defence, including expanding training for drone operators.
Former Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal will remain in the government, being reassigned to another role. Zelensky described these changes as part of a broader effort to restructure Ukraine’s leadership amid ongoing war efforts.
Context and Significance
The chief of presidential staff in Ukraine is traditionally a powerful position, historically offering both close access to the president and influence over government appointments and business dealings. Budanov’s appointment signals a shift, placing the office firmly on a security and war-focused footing, reflecting the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Budanov replaces Oleh Ivashchenko, 56, who had been serving as head of foreign intelligence. Yermak’s departure on 28 November followed a raid on his Kyiv home by anti-corruption authorities, though he has not been accused of wrongdoing. The anti-corruption investigation has implicated several high-profile figures in a suspected $100 million embezzlement scandal within Ukraine’s energy sector, affecting state-owned firms including Enerhoatom.
The scandal has weakened Zelensky politically and raised concerns internationally, with Russian officials highlighting alleged corruption. Ukraine, with support from European allies, is seeking revisions to a US-led draft peace plan, which had been viewed as favouring Russia.
Zelensky’s recent appointments indicate a renewed focus on security, intelligence, and defence, as the country navigates both internal challenges and the ongoing conflict with Russia.
