Zelenskyy appoints Ukrainian spy chief Kyrylo Budanov as chief of staff

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday appointed Kyrylo Budanov, the famed head of the military intelligence agency GUR, as his new chief of staff.

The appointment comes weeks after Andrii Yermak, who had served as Zelenskyy’s chief of staff since 2020, resigned in disgrace after being implicated in a spiralling corruption scandal. Yermak was often described as the most powerful person in Ukraine after Zelenskyy.

In a statement on X, Zelenskyy said he was appointing Budanov to the role because the country would benefit from his experience as a spy chief.

“At this time, Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues, the development of the Defence and Security Forces of Ukraine, as well as on the diplomatic track of negotiations, and the Office of the President will primarily serve the fulfilment of these tasks of our state. Kyrylo has specialised experience in these areas and sufficient strength to deliver results,” said Zelenskyy.

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Budanov has served as GUR’s head since 2020. Under his leadership, the agency has evolved from a low-profile organisation into one of the most successful elements of Ukraine’s military and intelligence apparatus in the war with Russia. Analysts have credited him with revitalising the agency.

I had a meeting with Kyrylo Budanov and offered him the role of the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. At this time, Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues, the development of the Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine, as well as on the diplomatic track of… pic.twitter.com/SCs6Oj2Rb7

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 2, 2026

In a separate statement, Budanov confirmed that he had accepted Zelenskyy’s offer to become chief of staff.

“I continue to serve Ukraine. I consider the position of Head of the Office of the President as another milestone of responsibility to the country. For me, it is an honour and a responsibility — at a historic time for Ukraine, to focus on critically important issues of the strategic security of our state,” said Budanov.

Under Budanov’s leadership, GUR has mounted an intensive drone campaign deep inside Russia, striking critical facilities ranging from weapons sites to military production plants and energy infrastructure such as oil refineries.

It was not immediately clear who would replace Budanov as GUR’s chief or whether he would simultaneously hold both posts.