"Budanov, head of the Ukrainian military intelligence service, now fills one of the posts that became vacant in the wake of a corruption scandal in the upper echelons of power in Kyiv. His predecessor, Andrii Yermak, resigned at the end of November. Budanov is already the third chief of staff under Zelenskyy. It is considered a powerful post; Yermak accompanied the president to important international meetings, including negotiations on ending Russia's war against Ukraine."
"This marks the first time a soldier has headed Zelenskyy's presidential office. As head of the secret service, Budanov is one of the most popular political figures in the country, considered a potential rival to Zelenskyy in the next presidential elections. Only the president himself and the former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces and current ambassador to the United Kingdom, Valerii Zaluzhnyi score higher in polls."
Kyrylo Budanov was appointed head of the presidential office of Ukraine, filling a vacancy created by a corruption scandal. His predecessor, Andrii Yermak, resigned at the end of November. The post is influential, involving accompaniment of the president to key international meetings and negotiations to end Russia's war. Budanov leads the Ukrainian military intelligence service and is the first soldier to hold the office. He is politically popular and seen as a potential rival to Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A mid-December 2025 Socis Center poll placed Budanov third with 5.7%; Zelenskyy and Valerii Zaluzhnyi scored just over 20% each. Budanov is 39 and became head of HUR in 2020.
Read at www.dw.com
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