Zelenskyy Replaces Top Aide With Spy Chief

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed his military intelligence chief to a key political role. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence (GUR), will become the new chief of staff for the presidential office. He replaces Andriy Yermak, who has resigned from the position. Budanov is a popular figure in Ukraine. He has led the GUR since 2020 and is closely associated with daring military operations against Russian forces. The role of chief of staff is a powerful one. It involves managing the presidential office and coordinating policy across the government and military. This move places a military commander with deep security experience at the center of presidential operations during wartime. No reason was given for Yermak's departure.