Who is General Kyrylo Budanov, Zelensky’s new chief of staff

General Budanov, an independent and enigmatic personality, the brain behind several successful operations against Russian military targets, and one of the most recognized and popular figures in Ukraine, replaces Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s former right-hand man, who resigned in November.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyappointed general Kyrylo Budanovhead of the country’s military intelligence services, as the new chief of staff — a significant change, coming at a time particularly crucial of the Russian invasion, which has lasted almost 4 years, notes the .

Or General Budanov succeeds Andriy YermakZelensky’s longtime collaborator, who resigned last November after visiting his apartment as part of an investigation into alleged cases of corruption in the Ukrainian energy sector.

The removal of such a powerful figure was seen as a setback for the Ukrainian president, potentially compromising his negotiating strategy at a time when the United States is trying to mediate peace.

Budanov leads the military intelligence agencyknown by the acronym GURsince 2020.

At 39 years old, she is a of the most recognized and popular figures of Ukraine in wartime, known for being the brain behind various operations successful against Russian military targets, in addition to standing out for its personality independent and enigmatic. Career officer in the field of military intelligence, brings with him direct battlefield experience for the new position.

Budanov rose to positions in the defense apparatus following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. Participated in special operations and intelligence missions linked to the conflict with Moscow-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, before the full-scale invasion of February 2022. According to reports, was injured in one of these operations.

Taking the war to Russian-controlled territory

Since this invasion, Budanov has become aone of the most visible faces of Kyiv’s intelligence effort, regularly appearing in interviews and conferences that mix strategic messaging with psychological pressure on Russia.

It has repeatedly warned of the Moscow’s long-term intentions in relation to Ukraine and the region, presenting the conflict as an existential struggle for the country’s sovereignty.

Under Budanov’s leadership, GUR expanded its actioncoordinating information operations, sabotage and special missions with the aim of weakening Russian military capabilities far beyond the front lines.

Authorities attribute operations that targeted Russian command structures, logistics centersenergy infrastructures and naval assets, including attacks on Russian territory and occupied areas of Ukraine.

Target of Russia

Its role and public exposure made Budanov a target. It will have survived several assassination attempts carried out by the Russian security services. In November 2023, his wife, Marianna, was hospitalized in Kyiv due to heavy metal poisoning.

His appointment to lead the presidential administration marks a change at the heart of the government, which is now give priority to foreign policydefense and security, in a context of intensified diplomatic efforts to put an end to the Russian invasion.

Zelensky claims that a peace agreement is “90% ready”, but warned that the remaining 10%, which is believed to include key issues such as Ukrainian territory demanded by Russia, “will determine the fate of peace, Ukraine and Europe”.

Budanov integrou a delegation responsible for negotiations with the United States team. It also maintained contacts with the Russian side in matters such as coordinating prisoner exchanges. It is not yet clear what his role, if any, will be in the peace process in his new role.

In his first statements after announcing the appointment, Budanov thanked President Zelensky for his trust.

“I continue to serve Ukraine“, he wrote on his Telegram page. “For me, it is an honor and a responsibilityat a historic moment for Ukraine, to focus on critical issues of strategic state security.”