What's happened
On January 2-3, 2026, Ukraine appointed General Kyrylo Budanov as head of the Office of the President, replacing Andrii Yermak who resigned amid a corruption probe. Budanov, 39, leads Ukraine's military intelligence (GUR) and is credited with key operations against Russia. His appointment signals a shift toward prioritizing security, defense, and diplomacy amid ongoing peace talks.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift in Ukraine's Leadership
Kyrylo Budanov's appointment as head of the Office of the President marks a decisive pivot in Ukraine's governance, emphasizing military expertise and security amid a critical phase of the nearly four-year war with Russia. Unlike his predecessor Andrii Yermak, whose tenure was marred by corruption allegations and political controversy, Budanov brings frontline intelligence experience and a reputation for operational success.
Implications for Peace Negotiations
Budanov's background in intelligence and direct involvement in prisoner exchanges and US-backed talks suggest a more security-focused approach to diplomacy. His appointment may tighten Kyiv's negotiating stance, especially on sensitive issues like territorial concessions, which Zelensky indicated remain unresolved despite a "90 percent" ready peace deal.
Political Dynamics and Future Prospects
The move also reshapes internal power dynamics. Budanov is a popular wartime figure with potential political ambitions, and his transition into a central political role could complicate Zelensky's leadership and Ukraine's political landscape, especially if elections occur post-ceasefire.
Operational Continuity and Risks
Budanov's survival of multiple assassination attempts and his wife's poisoning underscore the personal risks tied to his role. His replacement at GUR by Foreign Intelligence Service head Oleh Ivashchenko ensures continuity in intelligence operations, critical as Ukraine faces ongoing Russian attacks and potential false-flag operations.
Forecast
This leadership change will likely strengthen Ukraine's focus on integrating military intelligence with diplomatic efforts, potentially hardening Kyiv's position in peace talks. It signals a prioritization of security and defense in governance, reflecting the war's enduring intensity and the complexity of achieving a lasting settlement.
What the papers say
The Independent provides a detailed profile of Budanov, highlighting his rise through military intelligence since 2014 and his role in expanding Ukraine's covert operations against Russia. It notes his enigmatic personality and survival of assassination attempts, framing his appointment as a strategic shift prioritizing defense and diplomacy. AP News echoes this, emphasizing Budanov's operational successes and his role in psychological pressure on Moscow.
France 24 and the NY Post focus on the timing of the appointment amid peace talks, quoting Zelensky's statement that a US-brokered deal is "90 percent" ready and underscoring Budanov's acceptance as an "honour and responsibility." The NY Post adds color with examples of Budanov's intelligence feats, such as the "Operation Spider Web" drone strikes and a deceptive operation involving a far-right Russian militant.
The Times of Israel and Politico underline the political context, noting Yermak's resignation amid corruption probes and Budanov's reputation as a popular wartime figure with specialized experience. The New York Times highlights the political implications, suggesting Budanov's appointment could complicate Zelensky's position and future elections.
Al Jazeera and The Independent stress the corruption scandal's impact on Yermak's departure and the public anger it fueled, framing Budanov's appointment as a move to restore focus on security and diplomatic progress. Across sources, Budanov's role in prisoner exchanges and contacts with Russian counterparts is noted, though his exact role in peace talks remains unclear.
Together, these sources paint a picture of a leadership recalibration in Kyiv, blending military prowess with political strategy at a pivotal moment in the war and peace negotiations.
How we got here
Andrii Yermak, President Zelensky's longtime aide and chief of staff, resigned in November 2025 following an anti-corruption raid linked to Ukraine's energy sector. Yermak had been a central figure in US-backed peace negotiations with Russia. Kyrylo Budanov, a career military intelligence officer and head of the GUR since 2020, has gained prominence for leading covert operations against Russian forces since 2014 and especially since the 2022 full-scale invasion.
Go deeper
- What impact will Budanov's appointment have on Ukraine's peace negotiations?
- How did Andrii Yermak's resignation affect Ukraine's political landscape?
- What are Budanov's key achievements in military intelligence?
Common question
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Why Did Ukraine Appoint a New Security Chief Now?
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Why Did Ukraine Appoint a New Military Chief Now?
Ukraine's recent appointment of Kyrylo Budanov as the new military chief has sparked widespread interest. This move comes amid ongoing conflict with Russia and signals a strategic shift in Ukraine's defense and diplomatic efforts. Many are asking what this change means for Ukraine's war strategy, negotiations, and overall security. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this significant leadership change and what it could mean for Ukraine's future.
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Ukraine has recently appointed Kyrylo Budanov as its new military chief amid ongoing conflict with Russia. This leadership change signals a strategic shift in Ukraine's approach to the war, raising questions about how this will influence future military actions and peace efforts. Below, we explore who Budanov is, what his appointment signifies, and what it could mean for Ukraine's future in the conflict.
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More on these topics
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Kyrylo Oleksiiovych Budanov (Ukrainian: Кирило Олексійович Буданов; born 4 January 1986) is a Ukrainian military leader who has served as the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine since 2 January 2026. Before that, he serv
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Andriy Borisovich Yermak is a Ukrainian film producer, lawyer and current Head of the Presidential Administration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed him on 11 February 2020.
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.