UKRAINE: Spy Chief Appointed to President's Office, a Good Idea?
This week, news broke that Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has appointed Kyrylo Budanov as the chief of staff of the president. This is a significant development, as the role is one of the most powerful and consequential positions in Ukrainian politics. Placing a figure as prominent and unconventional as Budanov at the center of the presidential office signals a meaningful shift in how Ukraine is preparing for the future. This also sends a strong message to allies in the way that Zelenskyy wants to take negotiation and Ukraine's politics from now on. In this post, we will break down what this position entails, who Kyrylo Budanov is and why he has become such a well-known figure, and what this appointment could mean for Ukraine as it moves through 2026. (Photo: Zelenskiy Official / Telegram) THE ROLE AND POWER OF UKRAINE’S PRESIDENTIAL CHIEF OF STAFF In Ukraine, the chief of staff to the president is one of the most influential positions in the state, serving as th...