Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, as the new chief of the Presidential Office, according to a statement Zelenskyy posted on social media.
It follows the dismissal of Andriy Yermak over the backdrop of searches by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) at Yermak's residence as part of Operation Midas — an investigation into embezzlement at Energoatom.
"I met with Kyrylo Budanov and proposed that he head the Presidential Office of Ukraine," Zelenskyy wrote. "Ukraine now needs more focus on security issues, the development of the Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine, as well as on the diplomatic track in negotiations, and the Presidential Office will serve to fulfill primarily such tasks of our state."
Budanov confirmed his acceptance of the appointment in a separate statement. "I accepted the proposal of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to head the Office of the Head of State. I continue to serve Ukraine," he wrote. "I consider the position of head of the Presidential Office as another frontier of responsibility to the country. For me, it is an honor and responsibility – at a historic time for Ukraine to focus on critically important issues of our state's strategic security."
The intelligence chief thanked Zelenskyy for his trust and addressed his colleagues at the military intelligence directorate. "Thank you to all combat brothers and the entire team of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for our joint work. We continue to do our thing – strike the enemy, defend Ukraine and work to achieve a just peace."
Zelenskyy instructed the new chief of staff to work with National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and other officials to update and present for approval the strategic foundations of Ukraine's defense and development, along with further steps.
The Office of the President of Ukraine confirmed to journalists that Budanov is indeed the new head.
The announcement represents a significant reshuffling of Ukraine's leadership structure, placing the intelligence chief at the center of presidential decision-making during the ongoing war.
Background
The appointment follows the dismissal of Andriy Yermak on 28 November, when Zelenskyy announced that the Presidential Office chief had submitted his resignation. A corresponding decree appeared on the presidential website shortly after. The resignation came amid searches by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau at Yermak's residence as part of Operation Midas, an investigation into embezzlement at Energoatom.
On 8 December, Zelenskyy announced candidates he was considering for the position. The list included First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsya, Deputy Presidential Office Head Pavlo Palysa, and Main Intelligence Directorate chief Kyrylo Budanov.
The announcement represents a significant reshuffling of Ukraine's leadership structure, placing the intelligence chief at the center of presidential decision-making during the ongoing war.
