Ukraine: Budanov becomes Zelensky's chief of staff
Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, the former head of the military intelligence service HUR, as the new Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. He succeeds Andriy Yermak, who was forced to step down from this key position in Ukrainian politics in December amid a major corruption scandal. What prompted the appointment of the popular lieutenant general?
The best connection to Trump
Dzerkalo Tyzhnia comments:
“Budanov is currently the only person in the Ukrainian power apparatus who enjoys the trust and respect of the current American team. He has built up a network of personal relationships – not only with Keith Kellogg (who still has access to Donald Trump's office), but also with JD Vance, Steve Witkoff and a number of other people in the US president's inner circle. ... What's more, he is considered to be someone who has not been tarnished by the massive Mindichgate affair or classic corruption involving state funds. And that is a fundamental point that automatically expands Budanov's sphere of influence.”
In preparation for the election
Olga Musafirova, Ukraine correspondent for Novaya Gazeta Europe, links Budanov's appointment to the potential presidential election in Ukraine:
“The person who currently enjoys most trust among Ukrainians, alongside Kyrylo Budanov, is the former commander-in-chief and current Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, Valery Zaluzhny. ... Both are potential rivals to Volodymyr Zelensky, who is also among the top three [in the polls]. ... So according to one version, Budanov's appointment to the president's office is the first phase of Operation 'The successor the US likes'; according to another version, it is an attempt by Zelensky to neutralise his rival with a friendly embrace; and according to a third version, it is a strengthening of the vertical power structure.”