Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy named the head of Ukraine’s defense intelligence service as his top adviser on Friday, placing a popular military leader at the center of decision-making as kyiv seeks to strengthen its defenses against Russia and its position in U.S.-backed peace talks.
The appointment of Kyrylo Budanov, a decorated war veteran widely respected by Ukrainians, as presidential chief of staff marks a significant shift in a role traditionally held by a civilian, which focuses primarily on domestic policy.
Budanov, 39, replaces longtime Zelenskiy confidant Andriy Yermak, a much-criticized influencer who resigned in November amid a corruption scandal that has fueled public anger as Ukraine fights for survival against Russia.
Zelenskiy hopes the appointment “can help restore confidence in its leaders and state institutions at a difficult time, as Russia advances on the battlefield and the United States puts pressure on kyiv to quickly end a nearly four-year war.”
At X, Zelenskiy said Ukraine “needs to focus more” on security, military and diplomacy.
“Kyrylo has specialized experience in these areas and enough strength to produce results,” Zelenskiy wrote on X.
In a statement, Budanov said he accepted the offer and would focus on “the strategic security of our state.”
Budanov has commanded the Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) since 2020 and has experience supervising covert and other operations against Russian forces.
He also led negotiations with Russia over the exchange of prisoners of war.
Budanov makes frequent media appearances and is known for his understated style and often cryptic comments on alleged Ukrainian actions in Russia.
In a 2023 interview with Reuters, he said his public profile was an essential part of the “information battle” against “Moscow”.
Budanov, who survived numerous assassination attempts, began his career as a special forces agent and served in the east after Russia illegally annexed Crimea and its proxies took control of Ukraine’s eastern borders. He was wounded three times.
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