Zelenskyy Appoints Intelligence Chief as New Chief of Staff

Chief of the Military Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov meets with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, in this handout picture released on Jan. 2, 2026. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via ReutersUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy named the nation’s military intelligence chief as his new chief of staff Friday, a move intended to increase focus on national security, military advancements, and negotiations to end Russia’s invasion, which is now closing in on its fourth year.Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, 39, will replace Andrii Yermak, who stepped down in November after anti-corruption authorities launched an investigation into alleged misconduct in the energy sector, leading to public anger directed at the government in Kyiv. Zelenskyy described the change as key to prioritizing defense and diplomacy under presidential oversight.