Budanov was appointed “Yermak”: what does this portend for us?

Source: Author’s Facebook page

Let’s start with the positive. The era of Yermak is finally and categorically over. No matter how much they say that Yermak and Zelensky meet and have tea (although they massage each other), all the “influence of Yermak” will now be shattered by the figure of Budanov.

We need to understand who Budanov is? Budanov is a professional military saboteur. Almost his entire career has been in the special forces of the GUR of the Ministry of Defense. Budanov was the country’s chief military intelligence officer for a long time.

It is difficult for civilians to realize this. The military has its own specific style of management. A cadre officer is used to ordering, not asking. Officers do not tolerate when their orders are ignored. And so, the officer who led the GUR, he knows how to command in such a way: “Lie down! Get up!” that the client begins to lie down and get up himself. The military will confirm.

It’s hard for me to assess what kind of intelligence officer Budanov was – we all remember his “predictions” that were never confirmed. However, we must give him credit, the GUR carried out many sabotage operations under Budanov’s leadership and professionally.

I know firsthand that moving from the reconnaissance brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to the units of the GUR is a success. Many stumble. This is clearly a plus for Budanov as an organizer.

All this means this. Zelensky is focusing as much attention as possible on the war. He is clearly trying to correct the situation by bringing military professionals closer to him. The fact is, Budanov has never done anything else in his life except war.

Because of this, in my opinion, the appointment of the new head of the OPU greatly upset Commander-in-Chief Syrsky. From now on, Zelensky will have an assessment of the situation on the front, different from that of the Commander-in-Chief and the General Staff. This is clearly a plus.

Regarding other areas of the head of the OPU’s work besides war, it’s difficult to say anything. Again, Budanov has fought practically all his life. But you can be sure that Budanov will try to keep everything under control in a military way. There is no longer any place for Yermak in the OPU. With a guarantee.
Why Budanov? I think the point is that Zelensky appointed someone from his close circle. He doesn’t trust anyone else anymore.

Budanov and his wife have long been family friends with Maria Levchenko, Zelensky’s constant secretary. It got to the point that for a while, Budanov lived in the house of Mrs. Levchenko and her husband. Maria Levchenko came with Zelensky from the Quarter and survived Shefir, Bohdan, and even the odious Yermak in her position. Apparently, Zelensky trusts her the most. Therefore, Budanov’s appointment seems quite logical.

And yet. Budanov’s appointment as head of the OPU kills his prospects for an early political career. None of the former heads of the presidential administration/office has yet become president. Unlike ex-prime ministers, ex-ministers, and ex-heads of the National Security and Defense Council. Now, after Yermak, the press will take a small shaving from Budanov.

Budanov will have to save Zelensky’s rapidly declining rating. And this is a thankless task in itself.

Therefore, it is obvious. Zelensky feels a strong hunger for personnel, which is why he decided to make such an appointment. Zelensky trusts only very close people. “Servant of the People” is consolidated as never before, – you understand, right?!

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