Zelenskyy formalises leadership changes in presidential office, intelligence services

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially confirmed previously announced changes to the leadership of the President’s Office and the country’s intelligence services, according to decrees published on his official website.

Under the new appointments, Kyrylo Budanov, who had been serving as head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), has been named Head of the Office of the President. Oleh Ivashchenko has been appointed to lead the GUR, Caliber.Az reports. 

In a video address, Zelenskyy said Budanov’s experience would be central to aligning the work of the President’s Office with Ukraine’s security priorities and ongoing negotiation efforts. “

Kyrylo’s experience and strength are enough to steer the Office’s work toward security matters and the negotiation process exactly as needed,” the president said.

Zelenskyy also described Ivashchenko as a highly qualified professional, noting that he previously served within military intelligence and led Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service. Ivashchenko will now head the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine under the Ministry of Defence.

By Sabina Mammadli