What to know about the Ukrainian general picked by Zelenskyy to be his new chief of staff
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy He chose General Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief is a move that comes at an almost critical moment for Russia as its new chief of staff. 4 years of occupation.
Budanov replaces Andrii Yermak, Zelenskyy’s long-time right-hand man resigned in November After anti-corruption authorities raided his apartment as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in Ukraine’s energy sector. The move against the powerful aide was a blow to the president, who risks disrupting his negotiating strategy amid U.S. peace efforts.
Things to know about Budanov:
I’m rising in the rankings
Budanov has led the military intelligence agency, known by its abbreviation GUR, since 2020. Budanov, 39, is one of Ukraine’s most well-known and popular wartime figures. In addition to being the architect of many successful operations targeting Russian military assets, he is also known for his independent and mysterious personality.
A career military intelligence officer, Budanov brings battlefield knowledge to his new position.
He rose through the ranks in the defense establishment after Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. It also took part in special operations and intelligence missions linked to the fight against Moscow-backed separatist forces in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea before the full-scale invasion in February 2022. He was reportedly injured during one such operation.
Bringing the war to Russian-held territory
Since the invasion, Budanov has become a prominent face of Kiev’s intelligence efforts, regularly appearing in interviews and briefings that combine strategic signals with psychological pressure on Russia. He has frequently warned about Moscow’s long-term intentions towards Ukraine and the region, depicting the war as an existential struggle for the country’s statehood.
Under Budanov, GUR expanded its sphere of influence by coordinating intelligence, sabotage and special operations aimed at weakening Russia’s military capabilities far beyond the front lines.
Officials stated that the military intelligence agency is conducting operations targeting Russian command structures, logistics centers, energy infrastructure and naval assets, including attacks deep into Russian territory and occupied regions of Ukraine.
Russia’s goal
Budanov’s role and public status made him a target. Russian security services reportedly survived numerous assassination attempts. In November 2023, his wife Marianna was hospitalized in Kiev due to heavy metal poisoning.
His appointment to lead the presidential administration signals a shift at the heart of the government to prioritize foreign policy, defense and security amid intensifying diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s occupation. Zelenskyy said the peace deal was “90 percent ready” but warned that the remaining 10 percent, believed to include important issues such as territory, “will determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe.”
Budanov served as part of the delegation that worked with the US negotiating team. He also held contacts with the Russian side on issues such as coordinating prisoner exchanges. It is not yet clear what role he will play in the peace process in his new position.
In his first statement after the appointment was announced, Budanov thanked Zelenskyy for his trust.
“I continue to serve Ukraine,” he wrote on his Telegram page. “At a historic time for Ukraine, it is both an honor and a responsibility for me to focus on issues of critical importance to the strategic security of the state.”
