Kirill Budanov appointed as Zelensky's chief of staff, succeeding Yermak
In a strategic move reflecting a fundamental shift in the management of war and peace in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially appointed the head of military intelligence, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov , as the new head of the presidential administration. This appointment follows the departure of Andriy Yermak, who left his post amidst a storm of controversy and corruption investigations that rocked the political establishment in Kyiv.
Who is Kirill Budanov?
Kirill Budanov (39) enjoys an exceptional reputation both within Ukraine and abroad, where he is seen as the mastermind behind a series of high-quality and daring operations targeting the Russian heartland since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. During his time leading military intelligence, Budanov succeeded in developing the agency's capabilities to carry out precise strikes that hurt Russian forces, earning him the trust of both the political leadership and the public.
Commenting on the decision, Zelenskyy stated on social media: “I met with Kyrylo Budanov and offered him the position of Chief of Staff of the President of Ukraine.” The Ukrainian president explained his reasons for this choice, emphasizing that the current stage requires a greater focus on security issues and the development of the defense system, in parallel with the complex diplomatic process of negotiations. He added, “Kyrylo possesses specialized expertise in these areas and the necessary strength to achieve the desired results.”.
The end of the Andrei Yermak era
Budanov's rise to this sensitive post comes in the wake of Andrei Yermak's last November, which followed a search of his home as part of a wide-ranging corruption investigation. Yermak was considered the most powerful and influential figure alongside the president, described by observers as the "gatekeeper" who held the keys to Zelensky's access, drawing widespread criticism for his growing power and the exclusion of dissenting voices.
The implications of the timing and the future of the negotiations
The timing of Budanov's appointment is highly significant, as these changes in the leadership coincide with a pivotal moment in the nearly four-year-long war. Zelensky recently announced that a US-brokered agreement to end the conflict with Russia is "90%" complete. Analysts suggest that choosing someone with an intelligence and military background to head the presidential office at this juncture reflects Kyiv's desire to strengthen its negotiating position and ensure that future security arrangements are overseen by someone fully aware of the scale of the Russian threat.
For his part, Budanov confirmed his acceptance of the mission, considering it an “honor and a responsibility” to focus on the highly sensitive issues of the country’s strategic security at this historical juncture. Dmytro Lytvyn, an advisor to Zelensky, confirmed that the formal procedures to enable Budanov to assume his duties had begun, at a time when the country is still reeling from the ravages of a war that left tens of thousands dead and widespread destruction of infrastructure, making it the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.
