With secret service chief Kyrylo Budanov and digital minister Mykhailo Fedorov, the Ukrainian president is reassigning key positions – and is taking full political risks.
January 5, 2026, 7:40 p.mJanuary 5, 2026, 7:40 p.m
Denis Trubetskoy, Kyiv / ch media
In terms of domestic politics, the year 2025 ended extremely turbulently in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has largely survived the biggest crisis of his time in office, triggered by corruption revelations in the so-called Operation Midas. What’s more: Since the allegations against several close confidants became known, he has even gained a little more trust. According to the Kiev International Sociology Institute, 62 percent of the population trusted him at the end of the year – a remarkable figure in the traditionally very volatile Ukrainian politics.
As head of military intelligence, he has built up a James Bond image: Major General Kyrylo Budanov at a ceremony in Kiev.Image: AP
However, the affair had consequences. It was foreseeable that the new year in Kiev would begin with profound personnel changes. Already in November, Zelensky separated from his powerful chief of staff and long-time confidant Andriy Yermak after the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) searched his apartment. Although Yermak primarily implemented Zelensky’s political ideas, he also had a decisive influence on the country’s domestic and foreign policy for years. The search for his successor dragged on for more than a month – not least because the candidate initially apparently did not want to take on the post of head of the presidential office and first had to be convinced by Zelensky.
Ultimately, the choice fell on Kyrylo Budanov, the popular head of the HUR military intelligence service, who turned 40 on January 4th. Despite his young age, Budanov has had an exceptional military career. For more than five and a half years he headed one of the country’s most important secret services and was responsible for numerous successful sabotage operations on Russian territory in the middle of the Russo-Ukrainian war. He has held the rank of lieutenant general since September 2023. Although Budanov was considered a possible successor to Yermak early on, he was not considered a clear favorite for a long time. Until recently, many in Kiev doubted that the current HUR boss would actually take up the post.
Budanov, a man of the front
The reason is obvious. Budanov hardly fits the classic image of a head of the presidential administration whose everyday life is characterized by bureaucracy and political intrigue. He is seen much more as a frontline man. Already in 2016 he took part in an operation in occupied Crimea, and as head of the secret service he repeatedly put himself in life-threatening situations. His knowledge of domestic and foreign policy is highly valued. Nevertheless, the charismatic military man embodies in many ways the opposite of the controversial mastermind Jermak. The fact that the two had a strained relationship is considered an open secret in Kyiv. Yermak is said to have tried several times to have Budanov removed as HUR boss.
The former head of the presidential office Andrji Yermak.Image: EPA
The importance of the post of head of the presidential office can hardly be overestimated at the moment. Since the presidential party still has an absolute majority in parliament, at least on paper, many strategic decisions are made on Bankowa Street. Nevertheless, unlike his predecessor, Budanov is expected not to act as Zelensky’s man for everything, but to focus more on security and defense issues. In addition, the HUR is already closely involved in negotiations about a possible end to the war and in prisoner exchanges with Russia. Budanov is also considered one of the few actors in Kiev with good contacts in Washington, especially in Donald Trump’s administration.
Another personality provides an additional surprise. The only 34-year-old Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is to take over the Defense Ministry. Fedorov is the shooting star of Kiev politics and the face of the country’s advanced digitalization. At the same time, he is one of the central figures in the Ukrainian drone program and has deep insights into military production. His possible move to the defense department has been rumored for a long time – also because Fedorov himself is said to have signaled interest in the post, which only a few people take on voluntarily in the current war.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shymhal.Image: keystone
If parliament approves, Fedorov would be the fourth defense minister since the major Russian attack on February 24, 2022. Long-time Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal only took over the department, colloquially known as the “Ministry of Chaos,” in July. Behind the scenes it is said that Schmyhal has now learned the ropes and has ensured more order. Now the former top manager from the energy sector is supposed to take over the difficult Ministry of Energy and at the same time become First Vice Prime Minister. From a technical point of view, he is considered a suitable choice – but no one will envy him for this task. The Ukrainian energy industry is not only under daily Russian attack, but also continues to suffer from the consequences of recent corruption scandals.
Personnel changes have not yet been completed
The decisions in favor of Budanov and Fedorov could have far-reaching political consequences. Budanov in particular is considered a potential challenger to Zelensky in a runoff election after the war, alongside the popular former army chief and current ambassador to London, Valeri Salushni. Over the course of the war so far, he has built up a kind of James Bond image through his participation in various command operations. With his move, he now ties his political future closely to the president, which could also prove to be a risk in the long term. Fedorov is also putting his so far stellar career at risk with the sensitive defense department.
Vasyl Malyuk, head of Ukrainian military intelligence. Image: imago-images.de
One thing is certain: the personnel changes in Kyiv are unlikely to be complete yet. Among other things, the exchange of several regional governors who are considered close to Yermak is expected. The open question about the future of Vasyl Maljuk, the head of the domestic secret service SBU, which competes with the HUR, is also causing additional tension. Malyuk is considered by many to be one of the most successful SBU leaders in the country’s history and has earned a high reputation in the defense against Russia. His possible move to a yet unspecified post triggered a wave of public protests among military officers from different political camps. However, it is currently unclear whether this will actually happen. (aargauerzeitung.ch)