Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as head of the presidential administration, placing a senior security official at the center of decision making during a critical phase of the war.
The move comes as Ukraine and the United States work on a proposed 20-point framework aimed at ending Russia’s invasion, which Zelenskyy has said is close to completion.
The appointment represents a significant change for a role traditionally focused on domestic politics rather than military and intelligence affairs.
Zelenskyy said the decision reflects a need to prioritize defense, security, and diplomacy as Ukraine faces continued pressure on the battlefield and in negotiations. He wrote on X:
Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues, the development of the Defence and Security Forces of Ukraine, as well as on the diplomatic track of negotiations, and the Office of the President will primarily serve the fulfillment of these tasks of our state.
He added that Budanov has “specialized experience in these areas and sufficient strength to deliver results.”
Budanov, 39, has led the Main Directorate of Intelligence since 2020 and has become one of the most visible figures in Ukraine’s war effort.
He has overseen intelligence operations against Russian forces and frequently appeared in briefings that combine strategic messaging with psychological pressure.
Budanov confirmed he had accepted the role, saying he would “continue to serve Ukraine” and focus on “critically important issues of strategic security for our state at this historic time for Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy also announced that Foreign Intelligence Service chief Oleh Ivashchenko will replace Budanov as head of military intelligence, and said additional leadership changes were planned.
Budanov will succeed Andriy Yermak, a longtime Zelenskyy ally who resigned in November following a corruption probe that intensified public criticism of the presidential office.
Yermak, who played a central role in U.S.-backed peace talks, was accused by critics of consolidating excessive power, though he has not been named as a suspect.
The leadership change coincided with renewed violence, including a Russian strike on residential buildings in Kharkiv that wounded 19 people, according to regional officials.
Zelenskyy condemned the attack, saying preliminary reports indicated missiles had hit a civilian area despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The developments underscored the dual pressures facing Kyiv as it seeks both military resilience and a negotiated end to the conflict.