Zelensky Appoints Spy Chief as Top Aide in Major Wartime Reshuffle

President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed his military intelligence chief to lead the presidential office, placing a key wartime commander at the center of Ukraine's civilian administration. The move is part of a significant reshuffle of the country's leadership.

Kyrylo Budanov, the 38-year-old head of Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), is now the President's chief of staff. He replaces Andriy Yermak, who has left the position [39931][39807]. The chief of staff is a powerful role that manages the presidential office's daily operations and coordinates policy across the government and military [39807][39879].

Budanov is a popular figure in Ukraine, closely associated with daring intelligence operations against Russian forces since taking command of the GUR in 2020 [39931][39807]. In a statement, he said he accepted the job as an "honor and a responsibility," with a new focus on "critically important issues of the strategic security of our state" [39895]. He is expected to retain his intelligence duties while assuming the new administrative role [39807].

The appointment signals a sharpened focus on security and defense strategy within President Zelensky's inner circle as the war with Russia continues [39807][39895]. It places a military commander with deep security experience directly in charge of the presidential administration [39931].

Yermak's departure, which had been rumored for weeks, follows anti-corruption probes. Several reports indicate his resignation or dismissal was linked to these investigations [15139][14806][14621]. He was a powerful and controversial figure who served as a key negotiator and centralized significant control during the war [15218][14911].

President Zelensky personally offered the position to Budanov, according to officials [39895]. The government has framed the change as part of a necessary restructuring to improve efficiency during a critical period [14686].