Ukraine's Zelenskyy appoints military intel chief Budanov as new chief of staff.

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency, has been named chief of staff by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the midst of the ongoing conflict with Russia, the action, which was announced on January 2, 2026, represents a major leadership shift in Ukraine's presidential administration. Budanov, a pivotal figure in Ukraine's defense strategy, is now in charge of advising the president and organizing government activities.