Zelensky names military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as top adviser

President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Kyrylo Budanov, head of military intelligence, as his presidential chief of staff and nominated Mikhail Fedorov as defence minister; Fedorov’s appointment requires parliamentary approval.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has named Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence, as his presidential chief of staff and top adviser. He also proposed Mikhail Fedorov, a specialist in drones and digitalization, to serve as defence minister. The appointments come as Kyiv seeks to strengthen its position in U.S.-backed talks to end the nearly four-year conflict with Russia. Budanov replaces Andriy Yermak, who resigned in November amid an anti-corruption investigation. Key facts: - Kyrylo Budanov accepted the offer and said he would focus on the "strategic security of our state." - Mikhail Fedorov, former first deputy prime minister and minister of digital transformation, was nominated as defence minister and his appointment must be approved by parliament. - Budanov has led the Defence Ministry's Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) since 2020 and has overseen covert operations and talks on prisoner exchanges. - Budanov, 39, began his career in special forces, served in eastern Ukraine, was wounded in combat, and has survived multiple assassination attempts. - Andriy Yermak resigned on Nov. 28 after anti-corruption agents searched his home amid a probe into alleged kickbacks in the energy sector. Summary: The changes move senior roles toward security and technology as Kyiv looks to strengthen its hand in international negotiations and respond to battlefield pressures. Fedorov’s nomination requires parliamentary approval and Zelensky said more changes would follow; the immediate effect on negotiations and operations is undetermined at this time.