Zelensky appointed a new head of the GUR: who will lead the military intelligence.

According to ТСН: Oleg Ivashchenko has become the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, replacing Kyrylo Budanov in this position. Previously, Ivashchenko held the position of head of the Foreign Intelligence Service.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky noted:

“From today, Oleg Ivashchenko will continue to serve our state and carry out tasks related to limiting Russian military potential on the positions of the military intelligence of Ukraine”

Currently, there is no decree on the appointment of Oleg Ivashchenko to the new position on the president's website.

Biography of Oleg Ivashchenko

There is little information about Oleg Ivashchenko in open sources, and much data about him remains classified.

It is known that from 2017 to 2019 he was the first deputy head of the GUR, as well as the deputy head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for intelligence.

Since 2021, Ivashchenko has been performing the duties of assistant to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Oleg Ivashchenko holds the rank of lieutenant general.

In March 2022, he was awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi of the third class for participation in combat, as well as the Order of Daniel of Galicia.

On March 26, 2024, the president appointed Ivashchenko as the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine. He is also a member of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff and the National Security and Defense Council.

It should be noted that former head of the GUR Kyrylo Budanov received an offer from Zelensky to head the President's Office, replacing Andriy Yermak. The lieutenant general characterized the new appointment as

“another frontier of responsibility”

The appointment of Oleg Ivashchenko as the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate emphasizes the importance of ensuring the state's security in the face of current challenges. His experience in intelligence and leadership positions can significantly impact the effectiveness of this strategically important unit's work.

This personnel decision also reflects President Volodymyr Zelensky's plans to strengthen management structures and focus on enhancing the country's defense capability in the context of prolonged military aggression.