Budanov to head the President's Office: what does it mean for Zelensky and the government.

According to ТСН: The appointment of Kyrylo Budanov as the head of the President's Office appears to be a logical and significant step for President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Experts' opinions

According to the political scientist, Budanov is an 'authoritative and strong figure who controls one of the most powerful security services in the country.' This appointment will be perceived 'not just as a restoration but even as an enhancement of President Zelensky's influence in the power system,' as his opponents hoped for a weakening of his positions.

'This is positive in terms of image. The presidential office will be headed by a war hero, a person with largely positive reputation. This is adequate to the wartime conditions, especially — its current stage,' emphasizes the expert.

Possible consequences of the appointment

Fesenko notes that under Budanov's leadership, the President's Office of Ukraine may transform into a central military administration. However, how this will affect the Office itself and its relationships with other state institutions remains unclear.

'It is quite possible that under Budanov's leadership, the President's Office of Ukraine may informally and unofficially turn into the central military administration of Ukraine. But how this will affect the functions of the Office and its interaction with other government institutions is an open question,' stressed the political scientist.

The expert also expressed two versions regarding the appointment. The first is that the president is preparing his successor and 'guaranteed his own safety both now and after leaving the post of head of state.' However, he notes that in the context of future elections, the status of the head of the Office is not the best starting platform, as no politician has achieved success after this position. Perhaps Budanov will be an exception.

'For future presidential races, the status of the head of the Office does not provide a good starting point. No one after this position has been able to build a successful political career in Ukraine. Perhaps Budanov will be an exception to this rule?' the expert remarked.

The other version suggests that the appointment neutralizes a potential competitor for the president in the elections.

'But the main potential competitor for Zelensky in the presidential elections is not Budanov, but Zaluzhny. In any case, for the president, the appointment of Budanov as head of the Office is a logical step,' emphasizes Vadym Fesenko.

It is also noted that The New York Times presented its version of Zelensky's choice for this position, highlighting Budanov's close ties with American intelligence services and his involvement in cooperation with American intelligence even before the full-scale invasion began.

Thus, the appointment of Kyrylo Budanov sets a new course in the President's Office, emphasizing the importance of military strategies in wartime. Experts believe that this could lead to changes in the governance of the country, although questions remain about how it will affect the stability of domestic politics and interaction with other state institutions. The further development of events will show whether Budanov will become a catalyst for the changes that Ukraine needs today.