Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has launched the most extensive restructuring of the security and defense apparatus since the start of the war, including strategic appointments and new ministerial nominations. This move is part of a “major reform” aimed at strengthening the state’s resilience, following a corruption scandal that ousted former chief of staff Andriy Yermak.
Changes in the leadership hierarchy
The Ukrainian president, through official decrees, announced the appointment of Kyrylo Budanov, the former head of the Military Intelligence Service (HUR), as Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration. In his first statement, Budanov described his new position as “an honor and a responsibility” to focus on strategic security issues at this historic moment.
Key appointments and transfers
Kirill Budanov: From head of military intelligence to head of the presidential office.
Oleg Ivashchenko: Appointed as the new head of the military intelligence service, succeeding Budanov.
Sergei Denikow: He was transferred from the Border Guard Command to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Mikhailo Fedorov (the current Minister of Digital Transformation) is a candidate to take over the Ministry of Defense portfolio.
Ministerial and regional restructuring
Zelensky explained that outgoing Defense Minister Denis Shmyhal would be nominated to become Energy Minister, a decision pending parliamentary approval. The president also indicated that changes would extend to local administration, with the replacement of the heads of five regions across the country.
“I have begun a major reform and internal changes to make Ukraine more resilient, especially as we face a pivotal moment in efforts to end the war,” Zelensky said in a speech on Friday.
This administrative shake-up comes as an attempt to contain the fallout from a corruption scandal that has shaken confidence in the inner circle of the presidency and highlighted the need for fresh blood in the leadership of the military and security establishment.
It also coincides with pressure from Ukrainian negotiators to secure Western security guarantees, and amid diplomatic efforts by US President Donald Trump to end the conflict.
