Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, the military intelligence chief, as his new chief of staff. This decision comes as Ukraine and the United States work on a 20-point plan aimed at ending Russia’s war.
“Ukraine needs to prioritize security issues, the development of the Defense and Security Forces, as well as the diplomatic aspects of negotiations. The Office of the President will primarily focus on fulfilling these tasks for our country,” Zelensky stated on X on Friday.
“Kyrylo has the specialized experience and the strength needed to achieve these results,” he added.
This appointment of Budanov, who heads the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) in the Ministry of Defense, comes at a critical time in the nearly four-year conflict with Russia. Zelensky announced on Wednesday that the U.S.-brokered deal to end the war is “90 percent” ready.
Budanov has been recognized for executing a series of bold operations against Russia since the start of its all-out assault on Ukraine in 2022. At 39 years old, he has led the GUR since his appointment by Zelensky in August 2020.
A seasoned military intelligence officer, Budanov climbed the ranks within the defense establishment following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, Budanov has become a key figure in Ukraine’s intelligence efforts. He often gives interviews and briefings that aim to send strategic messages and apply psychological pressure on Moscow.
Budanov has consistently warned about Russia’s long-term goals for Ukraine and the region. He describes the conflict as a vital struggle for Ukraine’s independence and statehood.
Russian Forces Attack Kharkiv
On Friday, a Russian strike on residential buildings in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv wounded 19 people, including a six-month-old baby, according to Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Syniehubov in a post on Telegram.
This attack followed a day after Russia accused Kyiv of launching a strike on a hotel and a cafe in the occupied southern regions of Ukraine, which resulted in 27 fatalities. Russia warned of “consequences.” Ukraine claimed that the attack targeted a military gathering that was closed to civilians.
Images captured by the AFP news agency from the site of the Russian strike in Kharkiv depicted damaged multistory buildings, piles of smoldering rubble, and firefighters working to extinguish the blaze.
President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as “heinous” and stated on social media that “preliminary reports indicate two missiles struck an ordinary residential area.”
“Unfortunately, this is how the Russians treat life and people—they continue killing, despite all efforts by the world, and especially by the United States, in the diplomatic process,” he added.
Procedures to formally appoint Zelensky’s chief of staff have been initiated, as confirmed by his adviser Dmytro Lytvyn to journalists.
Zelensky also announced that Oleh Ivashchenko, the chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service, will succeed Kyrylo Budanov as head of the GUR.
Budanov will take over from Andriy Yermak, a controversial figure in Kyiv. Yermak, who was honored as a Hero of Ukraine and was known to be Zelensky’s most important ally, resigned in November after investigators raided his home as part of a sweeping corruption probe.
The scandal involving Yermak, who was also Kyiv’s lead negotiator in US-backed peace talks, fueled public anger over ongoing high-level corruption. Opponents accused him of amassing significant power, acting as a gatekeeper to the president, and ruthlessly sidelining critical voices.
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