Ukraine’s President Zelensky appoints military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as his new chief of staff, citing security and negotiation needs.
KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has named military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as the new head of his office.
The appointment follows the resignation of his previous top aide, Andriy Yermak, in November amid a corruption scandal.
“I had a meeting with Kyrylo Budanov and offered him the role of the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine,” Zelensky said on social media.
The 39-year-old Budanov has built a legendary reputation for overseeing daring operations against Russia since the 2022 invasion.
Zelensky stated the nomination comes at a key moment, with a US-brokered deal to end the war reportedly “90%” ready.
“At this time, Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues,” Zelensky said, adding Budanov has the “specialized experience” and “strength to deliver results.”
Formal procedures to appoint Budanov as chief of staff have been launched, according to presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn.
He will replace Yermak, who resigned after investigators raided his house as part of a sweeping corruption probe.
Yermak was a divisive figure accused of accumulating vast power and gate-keeping access to the president.
The nearly four-year conflict has killed tens of thousands and ravaged swathes of Ukrainian territory.