Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as head of his presidential office, just weeks after his former chief of staff resigned amid a corruption scandal.
Announcing the move on social media, Zelensky said Ukraine now requires stronger focus on security, defence and diplomatic negotiations. He shared images of his meeting with Budanov at the presidential office in Kyiv.
Budanov, 39, previously led Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, Hur, which has claimed responsibility for several high-impact operations against Russia since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Zelensky also revealed plans to replace Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal, nominating Digital Transformation Minister Mykhaylo Fedorov for the role. The president said the change reflects a restructuring of the defence ministry, with an increased emphasis on drone warfare and operator training.
Budanov replaces Andriy Yermak, who stepped down in late November after his Kyiv home was searched by anti-corruption investigators. While Yermak has not been accused of wrongdoing, the search occurred amid a broader investigation into an alleged $100m embezzlement scheme in Ukraine’s energy sector involving state-owned companies.
The role of presidential chief of staff is historically one of the most powerful positions in Ukrainian politics, often wielding significant influence over government appointments and policy direction. Analysts say Budanov’s appointment signals a shift toward a more security-driven and wartime-focused presidential office.
Zelensky confirmed that Budanov will be succeeded as intelligence chief by foreign intelligence head Oleh Ivashchenko. Meanwhile, Shmyhal will remain in government in a different capacity.
The corruption scandal has unsettled Ukraine’s political leadership and weakened Kyiv’s position as it seeks to renegotiate elements of a US-backed peace proposal viewed by Ukrainian officials as favouring Russia.
