President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has appointed General Kirillo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, as his new chief of staff, following the resignation of Andriy Yermak amid corruption investigations. This change comes at a crucial time during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Budanov, 39, has been a prominent figure in Ukraine since the start of the war, known for his leadership in successful operations against Russian military targets. A career military intelligence officer, he rose through the ranks after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and participated in significant intelligence missions during the conflict.
Under Budanov’s leadership, the military intelligence agency (GUR) expanded its operations to disrupt Russian military capabilities. His public presence has made him a target for Russian security services, having survived multiple assassination attempts.
Zelenskiy’s decision to appoint Budanov reflects a shift towards prioritizing defense and foreign policy as diplomatic efforts to end the war intensify. Budanov has been involved in negotiations with U.S. officials and has communicated with Russia on matters like prisoner exchanges.
In his first statement after the appointment, Budanov expressed his commitment to Ukraine, highlighting the importance of national security during this pivotal time.
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