What to know about the Ukrainian general picked by Zelenskyy to be his new chief of staff

Ukrainian President Appoints Intelligence Chief Budanov as New Chief of Staff

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, the country’s head of military intelligence, as his new chief of staff. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion, which has stretched for nearly four years.

Budanov, 39, replaces Andrii Yermak, Zelenskyy’s longtime trusted aide who resigned in November after anti-corruption officials raided his apartment during an investigation into alleged corruption in Ukraine’s energy sector. Yermak’s departure represented a significant setback for the president, potentially complicating Ukraine’s negotiating position amid ongoing U.S.-backed peace efforts.

As the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR) since 2020, Budanov has emerged as one of the country’s most recognizable wartime figures. Known for his independent personality and strategic acumen, he has garnered public admiration for orchestrating numerous successful operations against Russian military assets.

Budanov’s military intelligence career gained momentum following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, he participated in special operations and intelligence missions related to the conflict with Moscow-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine and Crimea. Reports indicate he sustained wounds during one such operation.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Budanov has become the public face of Ukraine’s intelligence efforts. His frequent media appearances blend strategic messaging with psychological pressure on Russia. He has consistently warned about Moscow’s long-term regional ambitions, framing the conflict as an existential battle for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Under Budanov’s leadership, the GUR expanded its operational scope, coordinating intelligence gathering, sabotage, and special operations aimed at degrading Russia’s military capabilities far beyond the frontlines. The intelligence service has been credited with operations targeting Russian command structures, logistics centers, energy infrastructure, and naval assets, including strikes deep within Russian territory and occupied Ukrainian regions.

Budanov’s high profile has made him a prime target for Russian forces. He has reportedly survived multiple assassination attempts orchestrated by Russian security services. The dangers of his position were underscored in November 2023 when his wife, Marianna, was hospitalized in Kyiv with heavy metals poisoning, an incident widely believed to be linked to his role.

His appointment signals a significant shift in the presidential administration’s priorities toward security, defense, and foreign policy concerns as diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s invasion intensify. President Zelenskyy recently stated that a peace deal is “90% ready” while cautioning that the remaining 10% – believed to include territorial disputes – would “determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe.”

Budanov has previously participated in the Ukrainian delegation working with U.S. negotiators and has maintained contact with Russian representatives on matters such as prisoner exchanges. However, it remains unclear what role he might play in the peace process in his new capacity.

Following his appointment, Budanov expressed gratitude to Zelenskyy for his trust. “I continue to serve Ukraine,” he wrote on his Telegram channel. “For me, it is 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 comes as Ukraine faces mounting challenges on the battlefield, with Russian forces making incremental gains in eastern regions while Ukraine grapples with ammunition shortages and delays in Western military aid. Budanov’s expertise in intelligence operations and his firsthand understanding of Russian tactics could provide valuable insights as Ukraine navigates this critical phase of the war.

International observers view the appointment as an indication of Ukraine’s commitment to maintaining strong security measures even as peace negotiations progress, reflecting the complex balancing act between diplomatic engagement and continued military readiness that will likely define Ukraine’s approach in the coming months.