Zelensky appointed a new head of the Office of the President: Kyrylo Budanov has become the new leader.

According to ТСН: The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced the appointment of a new head of the Office of the President — Kyrylo Budanov, who previously headed the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR).

Zelensky noted that this decision is driven by the need to improve coordination on national security and defense issues. He emphasized that Ukraine should pay more attention to the development of defense and security forces, as well as international diplomatic negotiations.

According to the president, Budanov "has special experience in these areas and sufficient strength to achieve results".

Responsibilities of the new head

Zelensky instructed Budanov to actively cooperate with the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council and other leaders to update and present the strategic foundations of defense and development of Ukraine for approval.

Andriy Yermak, the former head of the Office of the President, held this position from February 11, 2020 to November 28, 2025.

About Kyrylo Budanov

Before his new appointment, Budanov headed the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, to which he was appointed on August 5, 2020. At the time of the new appointment, he held the military rank of lieutenant general and was responsible for intelligence activities in the context of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.

Earlier, Zelensky confirmed that he had decided on a candidate for the position of head of the Office of the President, but the name had not been announced. It was also announced that there might be a replacement of several heads of regional administrations at the beginning of 2026.

Reaction to Budanov's appointment

After the announcement of the appointment, various comments appeared online.

MP from "Holos" Yaroslav Zheleznyak:

"This is a very expected decision already. It means that Zelensky is not expecting rapid, unrestrained reforms, but those who spoke about Yermak's remaining influence, I think, have already realized — that, to put it mildly, bad times will begin for Ali Baba... he has long wanted to remove Budanov from GUR, but I think he did not expect it to happen this way. Karma".

Serhiy Rudенко, journalist:

"Budanov — the new head of the Office of the President. Has Budanov said goodbye to his presidential prospects?"

Marina Danyliuk-Yarmolaeva, journalist:

"Minus one candidate?"

Stanislav Bunyatov, military:

"I wonder if the father of the modern GUR will deliver results in the position of head of the OP. I want to believe for the better".

Yuriy Bohdanov, political scientist:

"This appointment, at the very least, indicates that the president does not believe much in the effectiveness of the negotiations currently being conducted by the USA. This means that the Office of the President remains a super important institution. And there is no question of reducing its role".

Yevhenii Prokopyshyn, Ukrainian public figure and activist:

"Overall, an interesting personnel decision, Budanov is cool, thinks strategically, but it is still unclear what will happen to GUR (although I think some of his deputies will head it, the system built by Budanov is excellent and should continue to work efficiently)".

The appointment of Kyrylo Budanov as head of the Office of the President indicates the importance of strengthening coordination on national security issues. Given the ongoing aggression from Russia, the role of the Office of the President remains extremely important for the stability and progress of the country. Budanov, with his military experience, has the potential to implement necessary reforms and strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.