Kyiv, Ukraine – January 2, 2026: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), as his new chief of staff. The announcement comes as Ukraine and the United States reportedly finalize a 20-point plan aimed at ending Russia’s war, now entering its fourth year.

“Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues, the development of the Defence and Security Forces, as well as on the diplomatic track of negotiations. The Office of the President will primarily serve the fulfillment of these tasks,” Zelenskyy said on X. “Kyrylo has specialized experience in these areas and sufficient strength to deliver results.”

Budanov: Career and Achievements

Kyrylo Budanov, 39, has led Ukraine’s military intelligence since August 2020 and has been credited with a series of daring operations against Russia since its full-scale invasion in 2022. A career officer, Budanov rose through the ranks following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Budanov has become one of Kyiv’s most visible intelligence figures, frequently appearing in media briefings to deliver strategic messaging and apply psychological pressure on Moscow. He has consistently warned of Russia’s long-term intentions toward Ukraine, framing the conflict as an existential struggle for Ukrainian sovereignty.

Upon accepting the appointment, Budanov said:

“It is an honour and a responsibility for me to focus on critically important issues of strategic security for our state at this historic time for Ukraine.”

Leadership Changes in Ukrainian Government

As part of the reshuffle, Zelenskyy announced that Oleh Ivashchenko, chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service, will succeed Budanov as head of the GUR. Budanov replaces Andriy Yermak, a divisive figure who resigned in November amid a corruption investigation. Yermak, decorated as a Hero of Ukraine, had been Zelenskyy’s most important ally but faced criticism for accumulating excessive influence and sidelining opposing voices.

In a broader shake-up, Zelenskyy also plans to replace the defence minister, offering the role to Mikhailo Fedorov, the 34-year-old current minister of digital transformation. Zelenskyy highlighted Fedorov’s expertise in digitalisation and drone technology as key qualifications for modernizing Ukraine’s defence apparatus.

“I have decided to change the structure of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence,” Zelenskyy said. “I have offered Mikhailo Fedorov the position of new Ukrainian defence minister.”

Recent Russian Strikes on Kharkiv

The announcement coincided with a Russian strike on Kharkiv, where two people—a woman and her son—were killed, according to regional governor Oleh Syniehubov. Two ballistic missiles reportedly struck residential buildings, destroying a five-story dwelling.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with 25 people reported injured, 16 hospitalized, and teams searching for potentially trapped civilians. Zelenskyy condemned the attack, describing it as “heinous” and emblematic of Russia’s disregard for civilian life.

Russia, however, denied responsibility, claiming the damage was caused by a detonation of Ukrainian ammunition, and dismissed reports of the strike as misinformation aimed at diverting attention from a recent Ukrainian operation in Kherson.

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Key Takeaways

• Kyrylo Budanov, GUR chief, appointed Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff.
• Oleh Ivashchenko to replace Budanov as head of military intelligence.
• Mikhailo Fedorov, digital transformation minister, offered role of defence minister.
• Shake-up follows resignation of Andriy Yermak amid corruption investigation.
• Russian missile strike in Kharkiv kills two, injures 25; ongoing rescue operations.