Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of Ukrainian military intelligence agency GUR, meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine in a photo published on January 2, 2026. (Photo: X/Volodymyr Zelenskyy)
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Firstpost02-01-2026, 19:55

Zelenskyy Appoints Spy Chief Budanov as New Chief of Staff

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Kyrylo Budanov, head of military intelligence GUR, as his new chief of staff.
  • Budanov replaces Andrii Yermak, who resigned amid a corruption scandal.
  • Zelenskyy stated Budanov's experience in security, defense, and diplomatic negotiations is crucial for Ukraine's current needs.
  • Under Budanov's leadership, GUR revitalized and conducted intensive drone campaigns against Russian facilities.
  • Budanov accepted the role, emphasizing it as a significant responsibility for Ukraine's strategic security.

Why It Matters: Zelenskyy taps experienced spy chief Kyrylo Budanov to lead his staff, prioritizing security and defense.

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