Zelenskyy Appoints Intelligence Chief as New Chief of Staff

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy named the nation’s military intelligence chief as his new chief of staff Friday, a move intended to increase focus on national security, military advancements, and negotiations to end Russia’s invasion, which is now closing in on its fourth year.

Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, 39, will replace Andrii Yermak, who stepped down in November after anti-corruption authorities launched an investigation into alleged misconduct in the energy sector, leading to public anger directed at the government in Kyiv. Zelenskyy described the change as key to prioritizing defense and diplomacy under presidential oversight.

“Kyrylo has specialized experience in these areas and sufficient strength to achieve results,” Zelenskyy said.

Budanov described the role on Telegram as “both an honor and a responsibility—at a historic time for Ukraine—to focus on the critically important issues of the state’s strategic security.”

The appointment is part of broader personnel adjustments announced in Zelenskyy’s evening address. He also proposed appointing Mykhailo Fedorov, the minister for digital transformation, as the new defense minister. Fedorov is known for leading Ukraine’s drone initiatives and securing international tech support.

Ihor Reiterovych, a Kyiv-based independent political expert, noted that Budanov had been present at talks with the United States and “will fit much more naturally into the overall context” of the peace talks.

“Unlike Yermak, he has both experience in this field and has worked in a relevant position,” Reiterovych said.

Yermak resigned Nov. 28 after anti-corruption officers searched his home. A longtime Zelenskyy ally and key negotiator in peace talks, Yermak cooperated with investigators amid allegations threatening Ukraine’s governance. Yermak had led discussions in Washington on terms to resolve the war with Russia.

Budanov has said that Moscow’s spies accessed Telegram users’ messages, prompting a ban on the app for state devices in September 2024. Budanov highlighted the risks, stating Russian intelligence could retrieve even deleted communications, raising alarms over data security in wartime.

Budanov has overseen operations targeting Russian infrastructure, and commented on strikes against a fuel pipeline near Moscow, saying, “Our strikes have had more impact than sanctions,” referring to sanctions levied by the international community on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Fedorov procured more than 50,000 Starlink terminals for connectivity during the war, as approved in a $330 million U.S. sale in August 2025.

Fedorov has also called for drone production. Zelenskyy praised Fedorov’s involvement in the “Drone Line” project.

These changes come amid speculation about tensions between Zelenskyy and military figures, including Budanov, though no direct conflicts were confirmed. Russia has targeted Budanov, placing him on a wanted list for alleged “terrorist” activities.

Reuters contributed to this report.