US EditionUkraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Appoints Chief of Military Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov as His New Chief of Staff
Kyrylo Budanov, 39, appointed to replace Andriy Yermak amid corruption probe, will focus on Ukraine’s defense, security, and diplomacy as US-brokered peace deal nears completion.
- On January 2, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Kyrylo Budanov as head of the Presidential Office, and formal procedures have been launched, Zelenskyy's adviser Dmytro Lytvyn said.
- Replacing Andriy Yermak follows his November 28 resignation after anti-corruption investigators raided his home amid an alleged $100m embezzlement scandal in the energy sector.
- Known for daring operations against Russia, Budanov, 39, survived more than 10 attacks and said `We will continue to do our job-– to defeat the enemy, defend Ukraine and work to achieve a just peace.`
- Zelenskyy instructed Kyrylo Budanov to update strategic defense foundations and said the Office will prioritize security, defence development, and diplomacy, naming Oleg Ivashchenko as Budanov's HUR successor.
- The appointment marks an unusual shift in wartime leadership, placing an intelligence chief at the centre amid a US-brokered deal 90% ready and a corruption scandal weakening Zelenskyy's negotiating position.
233 Articles
233 Articles
Spy Chief Budanov Named Zelenskyy’s Top Aide Following Massive Graft Scandal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed the head of the nation’s military intelligence agency to serve as his new chief of staff on Friday, filling a critical high-level vacancy left in the wake of an alleged $100 million corruption scandal. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, who has led Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR) since 2020, steps into the […] Spy Chief Budanov Named Zelenskyy’s Top Aide Following Massive Graft Scandal
For a long time, President Selenskyy took on a central role in Ukraine. Now, he transfers the head of military intelligence to Budanov, the head of the Presidential Chancellery.
After the resignation of Yermak, former head of Ukrainian military intelligence appointed to head the presidential office
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
