President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has announced significant changes to his national security team, naming Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the country’s military intelligence agency, as his new chief of staff. This decision follows the resignation of Andriy Yermak in November after a corruption scandal involving an investigation into embezzlement at the state nuclear power company. Yermak, who had also served as Kyiv’s lead peace negotiator, has not been charged.
In his address, Zelenskyy stated that a “substantial overhaul” was underway to make Ukraine “more resilient.” He said he had asked Mykhailo Fedorov, vice prime minister and minister of digital transformation, to become the new minister of defense as part of a “wave of personnel changes,” adding that “more decisions will follow.”
Budanov’s appointment comes at a time when Ukraine is engaged in delicate negotiations with both Russia and the United States regarding possible elections and efforts to end the ongoing war. The move places one of Ukraine’s most prominent generals into a political role just as discussions about postwar elections are beginning. Political analysts suggest that Budanov’s transition to the presidential office indicates he will not run against Zelenskyy in any upcoming presidential election.
Zelenskyy emphasized Budanov’s qualifications for the position: “Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues,” he wrote on social media. “Kyrylo has specialized experience in these areas and sufficient strength to deliver results.”
Budanov commented on his new role online: “An honor and a responsibility at a historic time for Ukraine.”
Known for his strong relationship with U.S. officials—having trained under a CIA-backed program and received medical treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center—Budanov is expected to play an important role in ongoing peace talks with Washington. According to a Ukrainian official familiar with recent negotiations in Florida between Zelenskyy and representatives from the Trump administration, Zelenskyy sought an aide respected by both American and European leaders.
Within Ukraine’s military, Budanov is recognized for advocating asymmetrical strategies over direct confrontation with Russia’s larger forces. Since being appointed military intelligence chief in 2020 at age 34, he has overseen covert operations behind enemy lines, including missions on Russian territory.
His leadership style gained attention after leading commandos into Crimea in 2016; during this operation, several Russians were killed before his unit retreated without casualties—a mission that drew criticism from then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden due to concerns about escalating tensions with Russia.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Budanov has become widely known despite primarily overseeing covert activities. His image has become symbolic within Ukraine, while Russian authorities have labeled him as a foreign terrorist.
Budanov also played a unique role among senior Ukrainian officials by maintaining contacts with Russian counterparts for prisoner exchanges.
Oleh Ivashchenko will succeed Budanov as head of military intelligence (HUR). The selection process for Yermak’s replacement involved interviews throughout December amid speculation fueled by peace talks and potential elections. Recent polling indicated that Budanov could defeat Zelenskyy if both advanced to the second round of presidential voting; Valery Zaluzhny was also cited as another strong contender.
The current draft peace proposal calls for elections following any agreement signing; however, Zelenskyy insists that no vote can occur until there is a ceasefire—a condition Russia currently refuses while demanding elections proceed.
It remains unclear whether Zelenskyy intends to run again should an election take place. By bringing Budanov into his inner circle rather than facing him as an opponent, observers note this could shape future Ukrainian politics.
“This article originally appeared in The New York Times.”
