Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, as the new head of the Presidential Office. Zelenskyy personally announced this during a meeting with Budanov.
According to the head of state, this appointment is related to the need to strengthen work in the areas of security, defense forces development, and diplomatic negotiations. "Ukraine now needs more focus on security issues, development of Defense and Security Forces, as well as on the diplomatic track in negotiations," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Why Budanov?
The President specially emphasized that Kyrylo Budanov has "special experience" in these areas and "sufficient strength to achieve results". Zelenskyy also tasked the new Presidential Office head with working together with NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov to develop and present strategic foundations of Ukraine's defense and development.
Background of the Appointment
Recall that the previous Presidential Office head, Andriy Yermak, left his position on November 28, 2025, after NABU conducted searches as part of an investigation into corruption schemes in the energy sector.
Among the candidates for the position were Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal, First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsya, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa.
