BREAKING: Zelensky picks Military Intelligence Head Budanov as his new chief of staff
Editor's note: The story is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered Kyrylo Budanov, the military intelligence chief, to take charge of the President’s Office on Jan. 2.
"Now, Ukraine needs more focus on security issues, the development of the Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine, as well as on the diplomatic track in negotiations, and the President's Office will serve primarily to fulfill such tasks," Zelensky said.
Budanov accepted the offer.
The move follows a major reshuffle that saw the dismissal of Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s long-time chief of staff, in late November. The change occurred amid Ukraine's largest corruption scandal, signaling a shift in leadership dynamics.
Lieutenant General Budanov, 39, has led Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) since 2020. Under his leadership, HUR has evolved into a formidable force during Russia's full-scale invasion.
The spy chief has become a household name in Ukraine, while his agency is regarded as one of the most competent institutions in the country.
A source in the President's Office told the Kyiv Independent that the president's final choice would signal whether his focus lies on domestic affairs, diplomacy, or the battlefield.
Though not officially appointed yet, Zelensky has already tasked Budanov with updating and presenting strategic foundations for Ukraine's defense and next steps.
Lawmakers and experts argue that it's not as important who becomes the new head of the President's Office, but its future influence.
Budanov's predecessor, Yermak, accumulated unprecedented power within the Ukrainian government.
Media reported that the spy chief was on the verge of being ousted several times, with Yermak allegedly trying to push him out as part of a broader effort to remove popular officials from Zelensky's inner circle.
Budanov dismissed speculations about a conflict with the President's Office.
"(Budanov) will need to build his own system, his own vertical of power. I think it will be a different style of leadership for the office," said a lawmaker from Zelensky's Servant of the People party, who spoke with the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity.
They described the choice as a smart political move by Zelensky though it could eventually damage Budanov's reputation.
Although Budanov has never announced plans to pursue a political career, he is regularly featured in opinion polls and ranks among the top presidential contenders, behind only Zelensky and Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.K. Valerii Zaluzhny.
According to a recent poll conducted by Socis, Budanov would secure 5.7% in the first round. In a hypothetical runoff between Zelensky and Budanov, the latter one would defeat Zelensky with 56% of the vote against 44%.
