Overview
- President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 2 that he has offered the chief of staff position to military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov.
- Zelensky stated that the Office of the President will prioritize security issues, development of the defense and security forces, and the diplomatic track.
- Reporting characterizes the development as ongoing, with no public confirmation that the appointment has been finalized.
- Andriy Yermak was dismissed in late November following a major corruption scandal, setting the stage for a leadership reshuffle.
- Budanov, 39, has led Ukraine’s military intelligence since 2020 and rose to prominence during the full-scale war with Russia.