The choice of Budanov means the war will escalate.
The Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky appointed today (2) the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, to the powerful and prestigious job of chief of staff.
I had a meeting with Kyrylo Budanov and offered him the role of the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. At this time, Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues, the development of the Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine, as well as on the diplomatic track of… pic.twitter.com/SCs6Oj2Rb7
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 2, 2026
Here on TGP we have been following the role of Budanov in the war, since June 2023, with: Ukrainian Head of Intelligence Is Missing – General Budanov Hasn’t Been Seen in 17 Days – Russian Media Says He Was Wounded, Evacuated to Germany – Kiev Denies, Putin Confirms Attack on GRU Headquarters.
The war has been hard on him, as we learned in Ukrainian Spy Chief Budanov’s Wife, Marianne, Reportedly Hospitalized for Heavy Metal Poisoning.
He is a choice for escalation as we can see here: Ukrainian Top Spy Budanov Brags About Many Failed Assassination Attempts Against Russia’s Putin.
He was more optimistic about the peace than many: While the Zelensky Regime Throws a Tantrum Over Trump, Ukrainian Top Spy Budanov Says a Ceasefire With Russia Will Happen This Year.
And finally, he was reportedly an enemy of his fired predecessor Andriy Yermak: KIEV REGIME INFIGHTING: Zelensky’s ‘Grey Eminence’ Yermak Is on a Power Grab, Trying To Replace Top Ukrainian Spy Budanov – White House Brands Him ‘A Liability’ Linked to Hunter Biden.
It’s also very relevant to mention that in the opinion polls in Ukraine, Budanov has a much larger favorability than Zelensky in case of an election.
Associated Press reported:
“In announcing the appointment of Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs to focus on security issues, developing its defense and security forces, and peace talks — areas that are overseen by the office of the president.
Zelenskyy had dismissed his previous chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, after anti-corruption officials began investigating alleged graft in the energy sector.
Budanov, 39, is one of the country’s most recognizable and popular wartime figures. He has led Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, known by its acronym GUR, since 2020.”
“BUDANOV IS BASICALLY A CREATURE OF THE CIA”… DID LANGLEY ORDER PUTIN STRIKE?
Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson reveals Ukraine’s intelligence chief Budanov may have attacked Putin’s residence without Zelensky’s knowledge, raising alarming questions about who’s really… https://t.co/nR2zK1HGke pic.twitter.com/Nn7TE1VoMS
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 30, 2025
“Since the full-scale invasion. Budanov has become a prominent face of Kyiv’s intelligence effort, regularly appearing in interviews and briefings that mix strategic signaling with psychological pressure on Moscow. He has frequently warned of Russia’s long-term intentions toward Ukraine and the region, while portraying the war as an existential struggle for the country’s statehood.”
Astounding revalations from Zelensky’s ex top aide and advisor Arestovich
Ukraines current Intel chief Budanov wanted to blow up all Ukraines nuclear power plants if Ukraine lost.
‘Principle is that we will all die, but we will take everyone with us’. pic.twitter.com/7q0feTrD6R
— Chay Bowes (@BowesChay) March 22, 2025
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