Zelenskiy appoints spy chief Kyrylo Budanov to head presidential administration
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has made a major shake-up in his government by appointing Kyrylo Budanov, the country’s military intelligence chief, as the new head of the presidential administration. Budanov, 39 years old, will take over from Andriy Yermak, who resigned in November 2025 amid a high-profile corruption scandal that drew public criticism and raised questions about the leadership of the President’s Office. The appointment marks a strategic shift as Zelenskiy places a seasoned security expert at the centre of national decision-making amid ongoing conflict with Russia and complex peace negotiations.
Budanov has led Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) since 2020 and has gained wide recognition for his role in intelligence operations against Russian forces in the war that began in 2022. In his first public remarks after accepting the new position, he described it as an honour and a profound responsibility to focus on issues critical to Ukraine’s strategic security at a pivotal time for the nation. Observers say his elevation signals a greater emphasis on defense, diplomacy and battlefield cohesion as Ukraine seeks stronger positioning in peace talks backed by international partners.
The appointment also underscores Zelenskiy’s response to criticism over governance and trust in state institutions, with Budanov widely viewed as a competent and respected figure both within Ukraine and among international allies. Budanov’s experience in military intelligence and his growing public profile have led some analysts to see him as a key player in Ukraine’s political and security strategy going forward, especially as the conflict with Russia persists and the country navigates diplomatic channels toward a possible negotiated settlement.
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