Kyrylo Budanow heads the Presidential Office: What is known about the new chief?.

According to ТСН: Kyrylo Budanow received an offer from the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, to take over the leadership of the Presidential Office of Ukraine. This decision sparked lively discussions on social media as it represents one of the most significant personnel changes at the beginning of 2026.

Personal Life

Kyrylo Budanow was born on January 4, 1986, in Kyiv. Details of his childhood and life prior to service are largely unknown, including information about his family.

Although Budanow is not active on social media, his activities can be tracked through official sources of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR MO).

Mariana is his second wife. Little is known about his first marriage, which took place in 2009, but Budanow married for the second time in 2013.

Mariana, a trained psychologist, previously worked as an advisor to Vitali Klitschko on issues of revealing and preventing corruption in youth policy and sports. During the war, the couple resides in the HUR office.

At the end of 2023, it became known that Mariana Budanova was poisoned with heavy metals, but she was able to avoid serious consequences and underwent treatment abroad.

Education and Career

Kyrylo acquired his military training in 2007 at the Odesa Military Academy. Since then, he has joined the operational service in the special forces of the HUR and held various command positions.

With the onset of Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine in 2014, he actively participated in combat. A particularly important moment for his career was the special operation in the occupied city of Armiansk in August 2016.

Since 2020, Budanow has been the deputy director of one of the divisions of the Foreign Intelligence Service and took over as the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense on August 5 of the same year.

In 2022, he completed his education at the Military-Diplomatic Academy and since October 2, 2023, he has been a PhD student at the Ostroh Academy, majoring in Political Science. In 2024, he graduated from the Kyiv-Mohyla Business School and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Kyiv School of Economics.

On January 2, 2026, Budanow agreed to head the Presidential Office.

Awards

Budanow is a recipient of the highest state awards of Ukraine, including:

• Cross for Military Merit (2022) for outstanding achievements in protecting sovereignty;

• full knight of the Order of “For Courage”;

• foreign awards, such as the Polish Order of “For Merit.”

In 2024, he was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of “Golden Star” for personal bravery in protecting state sovereignty.

Outstanding Operations of Budanow

Kyrylo Budanow is known for his involvement in planning and conducting significant special operations during the Russo-Ukrainian War, including raids on the occupied Crimea and operations in the Black Sea.

Crimea Raid

In August 2016, Budanow led a group of special forces to deliver weapons to Crimea with the goal of preparing sabotage acts during the large-scale aggression. The operation was successful, with no losses for the group.

Stalling the Offensive on Kyiv

At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, under his leadership, the landing of Russian airborne troops in Hostomel was prevented, which avoided the encirclement of Kyiv. This could have led to the capture of the capital in the first few days.

Aerial Operation at Azovstal

To support the defenders of Mariupol, the HUR organized an “airbridge” and conducted helicopter flights to the blocked “Azovstal.” Despite constant threats, the crews delivered essential supplies.

Liberation of Important Settlements

Under his command, the military of the HUR liberated Bucha, Irpin, and other settlements.

Operations in the Black Sea

While coordinating strategic operations of the HUR, he participated in the de-occupation of Snake Island and the liberation of the “Bojko platforms,” contributing to the restoration of navigation. There were also raids by special forces in Crimea.

Operation “Meise”

On August 9, 2023, the successful Operation “Meise” ended, during which a Russian pilot handed over a helicopter to Ukraine.

Landing of the HUR in Pokrovsk

This action halted the enemy's advance, as the storm troops landed behind Russian forces.

Interesting Facts about Kyrylo Budanow

Budanow attends church services with his wife and is a believer. According to a military chaplain, he actively participates in church rituals.

In his youth, Kyrylo planned to become a swimmer but opted for a career in the ground forces. He also loves classical music and films starring Jean-Paul Belmondo.

He sustained severe injuries during the war, including wounds that threatened his life. It is known that several assassination attempts were made on him.

A Spy Cat Lives in Budanow's Office

Kyrylo Budanow has pets in his office, including a cat named Günther II that has become his companion and “cat therapist.” Günther II helps relieve tension during important meetings.

Along with the cat, a canary also lives in his office, which reacts to dangerous substances.

The New York Times reports that Budanow's appointment to this position could have significant implications for Ukraine's negotiating position in international affairs.