Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that he offered Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's defense intelligence, the position of leading the country's presidential office. The announcement was made by Zelenskyy on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, following a meeting where he extended the offer to Budanov.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of focusing on security issues, the development of the Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine, and diplomatic negotiations. He mentioned that the Office of the President would primarily address these tasks to serve the state's needs. Zelenskyy noted that Budanov possesses specialized experience and sufficient strength to achieve results in these critical areas.
Additionally, Zelenskyy instructed Budanov to update and submit for approval the strategic foundations of Ukraine's defense and development. This task is to be conducted in coordination with National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, along with other relevant officials and institutions.
Budanov has accepted the offer, expressing that it is both an honor and a responsibility to concentrate on the strategic security issues facing Ukraine at this historic time. The presidential office has been vacant since November when Andriy Yermak stepped down. Since then, Zelenskyy has conducted multiple consultations regarding a successor. Budanov has been serving as the defense intelligence chief since August 2020.