M
MercyNews
Home
Back
Zelenskyy Appoints Kyrylo Budanov as Chief of Staff
Politics

Zelenskyy Appoints Kyrylo Budanov as Chief of Staff

Financial TimesJan 2
3 min read
📋

Key Facts

  • ✓ Ukraine’s former head of defence intelligence Kyrylo Budanov to become chief of staff
  • ✓ The appointment follows the resignation of Andriy Yermak

In This Article

  1. Quick Summary
  2. Leadership Transition Details
  3. Kyrylo Budanov's Background
  4. Andriy Yermak's Departure
  5. Implications for Ukrainian Politics

Quick Summary#

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has selected Kyrylo Budanov to serve as his new chief of staff. Budanov previously held the position of head of defence intelligence in Ukraine. This appointment was made necessary by the resignation of Andriy Yermak from the chief of staff role.

The transition represents a major change in the administrative structure surrounding the Ukrainian presidency. Budanov brings extensive experience from the intelligence community to the administrative role. The decision to move the former intelligence chief into the chief of staff position signals a strategic shift in personnel.

Leadership Transition Details#

The resignation of Andriy Yermak created a vacancy at the top of the president's administrative office. Following this departure, President Zelenskyy moved quickly to fill the critical position. The selection of Kyrylo Budanov indicates a preference for security expertise in the chief of staff role.

Budanov is a well-known figure within the Ukrainian government due to his tenure in intelligence. His background suggests a focus on security and defense matters within the presidential administration. The appointment aligns the leadership of the president's office with intelligence and security priorities.

Kyrylo Budanov's Background#

Kyrylo Budanov previously served as the head of defence intelligence. This role placed him at the center of Ukraine's military intelligence operations. His experience in this sector is considered highly relevant to the current geopolitical climate.

Transitioning from the intelligence sector to the chief of staff position is a significant career move. Budanov will now oversee the administrative functions of the president's office. His appointment is expected to bring a disciplined, security-oriented approach to the role.

Andriy Yermak's Departure#

Andriy Yermak resigned from his position as chief of staff. His departure paved the way for the appointment of Kyrylo Budanov. The resignation marked the end of Yermak's tenure as the top aide to President Zelenskyy.

The change in leadership signifies a new chapter for the presidential administration. Yermak's exit and the subsequent appointment of Budanov reflect the dynamic nature of the Ukrainian government's staffing decisions.

Implications for Ukrainian Politics#

The appointment of a former intelligence chief as chief of staff suggests a potential shift in administrative priorities. Kyrylo Budanov is likely to emphasize security and defense issues within the president's office. This move may influence the strategic decision-making process of the administration.

President Zelenskyy continues to shape his team to address current challenges. The selection of Budanov demonstrates a reliance on experienced military and intelligence figures in key government roles. The administration is positioning itself to handle complex security situations with experienced leadership.

Continue scrolling for more

AI Transforms Mathematical Research and Proofs
Technology

AI Transforms Mathematical Research and Proofs

Artificial intelligence is shifting from a promise to a reality in mathematics. Machine learning models are now generating original theorems, forcing a reevaluation of research and teaching methods.

Just now
4 min
168
Read Article
Not ‘Trump-compatible’? China expert Rudd exits Australia’s US ambassador role
Politics

Not ‘Trump-compatible’? China expert Rudd exits Australia’s US ambassador role

Australia’s former prime minister and a prominent China scholar, Kevin Rudd, will step down as ambassador to the United States a year ahead of schedule, a move some analysts say underscores a fundamental shift in how Canberra must navigate a Washington increasingly centred on the personal rapport with US President Donald Trump. The resignation follows a period of heightened friction between Rudd and Trump, punctuated by the “America first” leader’s blunt public declaration in October 2025 that...

2h
3 min
0
Read Article
WeatherTech founder might be the newest US consumer protection official
Politics

WeatherTech founder might be the newest US consumer protection official

President Donald Trump made an unconventional pick for his nomination to the Federal Trade Commission: WeatherTech founder and CEO David MacNeil. MacNeil founded the company, which makes weather-resistant car floor mats, in 1989, according to its website, and he owns 100 percent of the company. WeatherTech has made it a mission to keep its manufacturing and workforce in the US. FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson congratulated MacNeil on X and called him an "outstanding businessman and great patriot," sharing a clip from a news segment where MacNeil shared his commitment to manufacturing in the US. If confirmed, MacNeil become the third member of the … Read the full story at The Verge.

2h
3 min
0
Read Article
Trump Dismisses USMCA Trade Deal as Irrelevant
Politics

Trump Dismisses USMCA Trade Deal as Irrelevant

During a visit to Ford's Detroit facilities, President Donald Trump dismissed the USMCA trade agreement with Mexico and Canada as 'irrelevant,' asserting that the United States no longer needs to import products from its neighbors.

2h
5 min
0
Read Article
US Senate Moves to Block Military Annexation of Greenland
Politics

US Senate Moves to Block Military Annexation of Greenland

Legislation introduced in the US Senate seeks to prevent American forces from using congressional funds to annex Greenland, signaling a firm stance on NATO territorial integrity.

2h
5 min
0
Read Article
Politics

State Duma Opens Final Session Amid Calls to Avoid Populism

The State Duma of the eighth convocation has opened its final spring session. With September elections approaching, leaders like Gennady Zyuganov and Leonid Slutsky exchange traditional agendas, while Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin calls for an end to populism.

2h
3 min
1
Read Article
NY Governor Clears Path for Robotaxis, Excludes NYC
Technology

NY Governor Clears Path for Robotaxis, Excludes NYC

A groundbreaking proposal in New York State aims to legalize commercial robotaxis across the state, yet one major city remains on the sidelines. The legislation signals a significant shift for autonomous vehicles, but raises questions about urban implementation.

2h
5 min
0
Read Article
Technology

Government Websites Under Scrutiny for Tracking

A new study examines the hidden tracking technologies on government websites, revealing complex data collection practices that affect millions of citizens.

3h
5 min
1
Read Article
Education

Chinese Student Enrollment at Harvard Rises Despite Visa Crackdown

Despite political tensions and visa crackdowns, enrollment of students from mainland China at Harvard University has increased by 4.5% in the 2025 autumn term compared to the previous year.

3h
4 min
6
Read Article
India's $30B Defense Surge: Arms Race or Deterrence?
Politics

India's $30B Defense Surge: Arms Race or Deterrence?

In 2025, India approved a series of major defense packages worth US$30 billion. The rapid procurement approvals, relatively rare by Indian standards, have ignited debate across the region. Are these measures fueling an arms race or closing a critical deterrence gap?

3h
5 min
6
Read Article
🎉

You're all caught up!

Check back later for more stories

Back to Home