Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, the director of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, to head his presidential office, prioritizing battlefield knowledge and public popularity amid intense U.S. pressure on Kyiv for a peace deal with Russia. The pick also seeks to dispel concerns over the corruption scandal that ousted the previous top aide, Zelensky’s close friend Andriy Yermak, The Washington Post writes.
Budanov’s appointment “means that Zelensky is concerned about their negotiations with Russia and their war strategy in the future and their security, including probably even his personal security when it comes to a transition of power and possible things like an election or whatever may happen,” said Olena Tregub, NAKO Executive Director.
Budanov was understood to have conflict with Yermak, signaling that “Zelensky can choose people who have different approaches,” Tregub added. “Hopefully, the power of Budanov will be, indeed, more limited to … matters that are related directly to the president and, of course, focusing on the issue of the war,” she said.
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Zelenskyy taps military intelligence chief to run presidential office
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, the director of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, to head his presidential office, prioritizing battlefield knowledge and public popularity amid intense U.S. pressure on Kyiv for a peace deal with Russia. The pick also seeks to dispel concerns over the corruption scandal that ousted the previous top aide, Zelensky’s close friend Andriy Yermak, The Washington Post writes.
Budanov’s appointment “means that Zelensky is concerned about their negotiations with Russia and their war strategy in the future and their security, including probably even his personal security when it comes to a transition of power and possible things like an election or whatever may happen,” said Olena Tregub, NAKO Executive Director.
Budanov was understood to have conflict with Yermak, signaling that “Zelensky can choose people who have different approaches,” Tregub added. “Hopefully, the power of Budanov will be, indeed, more limited to … matters that are related directly to the president and, of course, focusing on the issue of the war,” she said.