Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Kyrylo Budanov as the country’s new Chief of Staff, signalling a renewed focus on security, defence strategy and diplomacy as Kyiv navigates an increasingly complex phase of the war.

Announcing the decision, Zelenskyy said the Office of the President must now concentrate on strengthening defence and security forces and managing peace talks — priorities that define the Chief of Staff’s role. Budanov replaces Andrii Yermak, who was dismissed amid an ongoing anti-corruption probe linked to the energy sector, though Zelenskyy did not explicitly reference the investigation.

Budanov, a career intelligence officer, has led Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), since 2020. He rose to prominence after Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and became one of Ukraine’s most recognisable wartime figures following the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. Under his leadership, Ukrainian military intelligence expanded covert operations and strategic messaging, targeting Russian military capabilities well beyond the front lines.

In a statement on Telegram, Budanov called the appointment both an honour and a responsibility, saying his focus would be on Ukraine’s “strategic security” at a historic moment for the country. His move into the president’s office is unusual, placing an intelligence veteran at the centre of political decision-making and international coordination.

The reshuffle comes as the United States leads diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Russia’s nearly four-year-old invasion, increasing the importance of the presidential office in managing negotiations and ties with Western partners. Zelenskyy also announced additional changes, proposing Mykhailo Fedorov as the new defence minister and appointing Oleh Ivashchenko to succeed Budanov as head of military intelligence.

Analysts say Budanov’s intelligence background and experience in back-channel talks, including prisoner exchanges, could strengthen Ukraine’s position in both security planning and diplomacy. His elevation underscores Kyiv’s intent to tightly integrate intelligence, military strategy and political leadership as the conflict with Russia continues.