Zelensky started large-scale personnel changes: Budanov, Fedorov, new appointments.

According to ТСН: The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on January 2 started a significant process of personnel changes in politics and special services. The head of state explained these changes by the necessity of forming two strategic directions — peaceful negotiations to end the war and a military track in case Russia refuses the peace process.

Kyrylo Budanov — head of the President's Office

On the same day, Zelensky announced his decision to appoint the head of the GUR of the Ministry of Defense Kyrylo Budanov as the head of the President's Office, to which Budanov agreed. The president emphasized the importance of focusing on security issues and the development of the Defense Forces.

“Ukraine currently needs more focus on security issues, the development of the Defense Forces, and the security of Ukraine, as well as on the diplomatic track in negotiations, and the President's Office will serve primarily to fulfill such tasks for our state,”

Zelensky noted that Budanov has the relevant experience to carry out these tasks. The president instructed the new head of the President's Office, together with the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, to update the strategic foundations of defense and development of the state.

Changes in the Defense Forces

The president also heard from Deputy Head of the President's Office Pavlo Palisa regarding changes in the Defense Forces. Palisa plans to carry out the necessary work with the military command.

“We are also preparing to modernize military education, taking into account the experience of defending our state in full-scale war. The educational process and training of officers should be based on the real experience of defending Ukraine,”

Mykhailo Fedorov could become the Minister of Defense

The president proposed Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to take the position of Minister of Defense, emphasizing his successes in the digitalization of state services.

“Mykhailo deeply engages in issues regarding the drone line, working very effectively in the digitalization of state services and processes,”

Denys Shmyhal could become the Minister of Energy

During a meeting with Denys Shmyhal, Zelensky announced that Shmyhal would become the Vice Prime Minister — Minister of Energy. The president expressed gratitude for his work in the Ministry of Defense.

“Such systematics is necessary now for Ukrainian energy. It is important that after each Russian strike we can quickly restore what has been destroyed,”

Updating the SBI

Zelensky announced plans for updates in the State Bureau of Investigation and instructed to prepare appropriate proposals for parliament.

“I expect that the presidential bill will be developed in January,”

Will they replace Oleksandr Syrskiy?

Zelensky emphasized that there are currently no plans for radical changes in the leadership of the Armed Forces, particularly the replacement of the Commander-in-Chief.

“We are not saying that we are ready to replace the Commander-in-Chief today,”

Sergiy Kyslytsia — First Deputy Head of the President's Office

Zelensky appointed Sergiy Kyslytsia as the first deputy head of the President's Office. His tasks will include communication with partners and developing work with allies.

Kyslytsia will also continue to participate in the diplomatic process.

How does Zelensky explain personnel changes?

The president noted that personnel changes are aimed at preparing two strategic tracks: military and negotiation. The appointment of Fedorov is meant to accelerate the technological transformation of the army, while the appointment of Budanov will strengthen the diplomatic component.

Sergiy Deyneka — advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs

The Minister of Internal Affairs drew attention to the appointment of Sergiy Deyneka as his advisor. Deyneka will continue military service after rehabilitation.

Replacement of heads of OVA in five regions

Zelensky announced the appointment of new heads of regional military administrations in five regions. He emphasized the importance of the responsibility of regional representatives.

Resignation of Vasyl Maliuk

The head of the SBU, Vasyl Maliuk, announced his resignation, stating his intention to continue working on asymmetric special operations.

Acting Head of the SBU — Yevhen Khmara

Zelensky appointed Yevhen Khmara as the acting chairman of the SBU.

Important meetings of Zelensky with representatives of the SBU

The president held a meeting with the SBU colonel Vasyl Kozak, who was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine for his work. Issues regarding strengthening counterintelligence work were discussed.

Cooperation with Dmytro Kuleba

Zelensky met with Dmytro Kuleba to discuss the political situation and the importance of the international representation of Ukraine.

The personnel changes initiated by President Zelensky indicate his intention to strengthen the strategic directions of the country in wartime and security development. The experience of newly appointed leaders such as Kyrylo Budanov and Mykhailo Fedorov can significantly influence the effectiveness and efficiency of power structures. Overall, these changes aim not only to improve internal processes but also to strengthen Ukraine's international position amid ongoing conflict.