Overview
- Budanov accepted the post and said he will concentrate on Ukraine’s strategic security.
- Oleh Ivashchenko was designated to replace Budanov at military intelligence, with formal appointments initiated.
- The shake-up follows Andriy Yermak’s Nov. 28 resignation after an anti-corruption raid tied to a $100 million energy kickback probe.
- Zelensky directed his new chief of staff to update and present the state’s strategic defense foundations.
- Budanov has led HUR since 2020 and is credited with covert operations and prisoner-exchange talks, earning strong public trust after surviving multiple assassination attempts.