In a major strategic shift at the heart of Ukraine's government, President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed his military intelligence chief, General Kyrylo Budanov, as the new head of his presidential office. The announcement, made on Saturday 3 January 2026, comes at a crucial moment in Russia's ongoing invasion, now nearing its fourth year.
A Critical Juncture in Wartime Leadership
General Budanov, 39, steps into the role of chief of staff, replacing Andrii Yermak, President Zelensky's long-serving aide who resigned in November. Yermak's departure followed an anti-corruption raid on his apartment linked to alleged graft in the energy sector. His removal was seen as a significant blow to the president's inner circle, potentially destabilising Kyiv's negotiating position as US-led peace efforts intensify.
Zelensky's decision to place a career intelligence officer at the helm of his administration signals a clear pivot. The move is widely interpreted as prioritising foreign policy, defence, and security matters above all else during this decisive phase of the conflict. The president has recently stated that a potential peace deal is "90 per cent ready," warning that the final 10 per cent—which includes thorny territorial issues—will determine the future of Ukraine and Europe.
Who is Kyrylo Budanov?
Budanov is one of Ukraine's most recognisable and popular wartime figures. He has led the Main Directorate of Intelligence, known as the GUR, since 2020. A veteran of the conflict with Russia dating back to the 2014 annexation of Crimea, he rose through the ranks via special operations and intelligence missions against Moscow-backed forces.
His tenure at the GUR has been marked by a dramatic expansion of its operations. The agency has been credited with orchestrating daring sabotage missions and special operations deep inside Russian territory and occupied Ukrainian land, targeting command centres, logistics hubs, and energy infrastructure.
His public profile, regularly appearing in media briefings to apply psychological pressure on Moscow, has made him a target. Budanov has reportedly survived multiple Russian assassination attempts, and his wife, Marianna, was hospitalised in November 2023 due to suspected heavy metal poisoning.
Implications for War and Peace
Budanov's appointment injects deep military and strategic expertise into the president's inner sanctum. He is not new to diplomacy, having served on delegations working with the US negotiating team and having contacts with Russian officials on issues like prisoner exchanges. His exact role in the ongoing peace process from his new position remains to be seen.
In his first statement following the appointment, posted on Telegram, Budanov thanked Zelensky for his trust. "I continue to serve Ukraine," he wrote. "For me, it is both an honor and a responsibility—at a historic time for Ukraine—to focus on the critically important issues of the state’s strategic security."
This leadership change underscores the existential nature of the war for Ukraine. By elevating the mastermind behind some of its most successful intelligence operations, Zelensky is reinforcing a security-first approach at a moment when the path to peace hangs in a delicate balance.
