Zelensky appoints spy chief as chief of staff

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed spy chief Kyrylo Budanov as his new chief of staff, more than a month after his former top aide resigned amid a corruption dispute.

“At this time, Ukraine needs to pay more attention to security issues,” Zelensky said in a social media post, posting photos of his meeting with Budanov in Kiev.

Budanov, 39, has so far led the military intelligence service in Huer, which claims to have carried out a number of highly effective strikes against Russia.

His predecessor, Andriy Yermak, wielded enormous political influence over Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. He also led the Ukrainian negotiating team in key negotiations with the United States aimed at ending the war.

“At this time, Ukraine needs to pay more attention to security issues, the development of Ukrainian defense and security forces and the diplomatic track of negotiations,” Zelensky said in a social media post on Friday.

“Kyrylo has expertise in these areas and is well positioned to deliver results.”

The president added that he had instructed the new chief of staff to update and submit key documents on the “strategic foundations” of Ukraine’s defense.

Yermak, 54, stepped down on November 28, and his departure was seen as a major blow to Zelensky.

Yermak resigned shortly after his home in Kiev was raided by the country’s anti-corruption agency.

He has not been accused of any wrongdoing, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau Nabu and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office Sapo have not explained why his properties were searched.

In the past few months, investigators have linked several high-profile figures to an alleged $100m (£75m) corruption scandal in the energy industry.

They said they uncovered a widespread scheme to collect kickbacks and influence state-owned enterprises including state-owned nuclear energy company Enerhoatom.

The corruption scandal has rocked Ukraine, weakening Zelensky’s own standing and jeopardizing the country’s negotiating position at a delicate moment.

Kiev, backed by its European allies, is seeking to change the terms of a draft U.S.-led peace plan that was initially seen as heavily tilted toward Russia.

Russian officials seized on the scandal, talking up corruption charges.