Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Kyrylo Budanov, offering him the position of Head of the Office of the President.
The Head of State emphasized that the country currently requires maximum focus on security issues, the development of the Defense Forces, and the diplomatic track of negotiations. These tasks will become the top priorities for the President's Office under the new leadership.
According to Zelensky, Budanov possesses the necessary specialized experience in these fields and sufficient strength to deliver results.
The new Head of the Office of the President has already received his first assignment. In coordination with the Secretary of the NSDC and other officials, he is to update and submit for approval the strategic foundations for national defense and development, as well as outline further steps.
Kyrylo Budanov: From Intelligence Officer to Head of the Presidential Office
Kyrylo Budanov was born in Kyiv in 1986. He dedicated his life to the military in his youth, graduating from the Odesa Institute of Ground Forces in 2007. Immediately after graduation, he joined the special forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), rising from an operational officer to the leader of the entire agency.
Combat Experience and Secret Operations
His career was far from desk-bound. Since 2014, Budanov has served in the most volatile hotspots in eastern Ukraine. During his service, he sustained three wounds, one of which was severe. In 2016, he personally participated in a daring special operation near Armyansk in Crimea.
GUR Chief and Global Recognition
In 2020, Budanov took the helm of military intelligence, becoming the youngest director in its history. Under his leadership, the agency evolved into a formidable force capable of executing complex operations, from reclaiming control of Snake Island to securing the release of the Azovstal defenders. He became widely known for his accurate forecasts and composure during critical moments. For his service, he was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.
A New Chapter: The Presidential Office
In January 2026, Lieutenant General Budanov entered a new phase of his career, being appointed Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, succeeding Andriy Yermak. In this role, his responsibilities expand beyond security to include the strategic development of national defense and key international negotiations.
Kyrylo Budanov remains one of the most influential figures in Ukrainian politics and defense, bridging the experience of a combat officer with the skills of large-scale state administration.
