Appointment of Kirill Budanov as Head of the Presidential Office: Leading World Media Appreciated the New Political Step

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as his new chief of staff. The decision is seen as key in light of possible negotiations with the United States and Budanov’s role in the dialogue with the American side.

This is reported by The New York Times .

As is known, Kirill Budanov’s appointment took place on January 2, 2026, following the resignation of Andriy Yermak, who left office in November amid a corruption scandal. His dismissal created a long personnel pause and deprived the president of a key political coordinator during a sensitive period of negotiations to end the war with Russia.

Journalists note that the choice in favor of Budanov is of particular significance due to his long-standing and close ties to the United States. He underwent training under a program supported by the Central Intelligence Agency and, after being wounded during hostilities in eastern Ukraine, was treated at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Maryland.

These contacts are seen as an important resource for Ukraine in the context of discussing possible peace talks and interaction with the Donald Trump administration. Journalists emphasize that Budanov has established channels of communication with American security structures, which may play a role in the diplomatic process.

At the same time, his appointment marks the transition of one of Ukraine’s most prominent generals to a political position and a change in the leadership of military intelligence. Kyrylo Budanov has headed the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine since 2020 and has gained a reputation as one of the key faces of the war after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Announcing the personnel decision, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the security dimension.

“Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues, the development of defense and security forces, as well as further progress on the diplomatic track of negotiations,” the President of Ukraine said.

He also explained the reasons for the appointment.

“Kyrylo has specialized experience in these areas and sufficient determination to achieve results,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Kirill Budanov himself, commenting on the new position, emphasized its significance.

“For me, this is an honor and a responsibility at a historic time for Ukraine,” said Kyrylo Budanov.

Journalists also note that Budanov was previously considered a potential political rival to Volodymyr Zelensky in the event of elections. His work in the President’s Office may affect this scenario.

It is worth adding that the appointment of Kyrylo Budanov to the position of Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine has been highly appreciated by international media. Experts emphasize his strategic role in diplomatic and security processes, as well as close and long-standing contacts with the United States.

The Financial Times calls Budanov “a new generation of Ukrainian war elite,” noting the lack of an oligarchic background, direct contacts in the West, and high trust from partners.

Politico notes that he is one of the few Ukrainian security officials who is considered in Washington to be a kind of bridge between intelligence, the army, and politics.

Bloomberg emphasizes that Budanov has direct access to Western partners, whose role already goes beyond the military sphere and has political significance.

The Economist describes him as a “cool-headed and pragmatic intelligence chief” who thinks strategically and speaks a language understandable to Western allies.

The Associated Press calls Budanov a key wartime figure who played a central role in Ukrainian intelligence work and is now moving into broader political coordination.

Reuters notes that he is one of the most influential people in Zelensky’s inner circle, his strength lies in control of intelligence, security decisions, and ties with the West.

Welt writes that Budanov’s appointment to a key position demonstrates that Ukraine is betting on security, war, and negotiations.

Earlier it was reported that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Kyrylo Budanov and offered him the position of head of the Office of the President. Later it became known that Kyrylo Budanov accepted Volodymyr Zelensky’s offer to head the Office of the President .

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