Zelenskyy Appoints Spy Chief as Top Aide in Major Wartime Reshuffle

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed his military intelligence chief to lead the Presidential Office, placing a key wartime commander at the center of Ukraine's government. The move is part of a significant reshuffle as the war with Russia continues.

Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR), will now serve as the President's chief of staff [39807][39931]. In this powerful administrative role, he will manage the presidential office's operations and coordinate policy across the government and military [39931][39807]. Budanov replaces Andriy Yermak, who has left the position [39931][40148].

The 38-year-old Budanov is one of Ukraine's most popular public officials, closely associated with daring intelligence operations against Russian forces throughout the conflict [40915][39807]. He will continue to lead the HUR while taking on his new duties [39807]. No official reason was given for Yermak's departure, though some reports link it to broader anti-corruption efforts [40645][40006].

This appointment marks the first time a military officer has led the Ukrainian presidential office, signaling a sharpened focus on security and defense strategy within the president's inner circle [40915][39895]. Analysts suggest the move integrates battlefield experience directly into the highest level of civilian government during a critical phase of the war [40420].

The leadership change comes as Ukraine defends against Russia's ongoing invasion, now in its third year [39863][40915]. President Zelenskyy stated he personally offered Budanov the position, with the spy chief accepting it as an "honor and a responsibility" [39895].