Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has nominated military spy chief Kyrylo Budanov as the new head of the presidential office after his predecessor resigned in November amid a corruption scandal. The decision comes ahead of a possible US-brokered solution to the nearly four-year-long Russian-Ukrainian war.
The 39-year-old Budanov has gained legendary status in Ukraine for carrying out numerous daring operations against Russian forces since the 2022 Russian invasion. He replaces Andriy Yermak, who resigned in November as part of a corruption investigation.
Zelensky said Budanov “has professional experience in security and defence and has sufficient strength to achieve results”, adding that Ukraine currently needs to place greater emphasis on security, defence developments, and diplomatic negotiations. The appointment therefore comes at a crucial moment, after Zelensky announced on Wednesday that the agreement brokered by the United States to end the conflict is “90% ready”.
The previous chief of staff, Yermak, was one of Zelensky’s most important allies, but he was a divisive figure in Kyiv, as critics said he had too much power, controlled access to the president, and marginalised critical voices.
