KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed the head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, as the new Chief of Staff of the Presidential Office. The appointment, announced Friday, follows the resignation of Andriy Yermak last month amidst a corruption scandal.
In a statement posted on Telegram, President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for heightened focus on security issues, the development of Ukrainian defense and security forces, and the diplomatic track of negotiations. He stated that these areas would fall under the purview of the Presidential Office, now led by Budanov.
Budanov has led the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, known as HUR, since 2020. During his tenure, the agency has reportedly conducted a series of high-profile operations within Russia, targeting its military and energy infrastructure.
Yermak’s dismissal as Chief of Staff occurred on November 28th after anti-corruption officials searched his office as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in the energy sector.
President Zelenskyy had previously announced that he offered the position of Chief of Staff to Budanov.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, now in its fourth year, continues with both sides exchanging strikes and attacks. Russia, which currently controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, launches near-daily missile and drone strikes against its neighbor.
The war in Ukraine has resulted in significant casualties, with estimates of military deaths on both sides reaching into the hundreds of thousands.
