Zelensky appointed Budanov, how will it change negotiations with the USA

Western media reports that Washington was not happy with Yermak. Now the situation will change.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), as the new chief of the Office of the President, one month after the dismissal of Andriy Yermak from the post.

The decision was analyzed by The Washington Post, which wrote that the appointment appears aimed at easing concerns following a corruption scandal that led to the removal of Zelenskyy’s previous top aide.

“This appointment is intended to reassure both domestic and international audiences after the corruption scandal that forced out the former chief of staff, a close associate of Zelenskyy,” the newspaper noted.

Yermak, who was appointed in 2020 after previously working with Zelenskyy at his television production studio, had no prior political experience. Over time, he became one of the most controversial figures in Ukrainian politics. Many Ukrainians accused him of wielding excessive influence and of an overly harsh, centralized leadership style.

According to The Washington Post, skepticism about Yermak was not limited to Ukraine. “Many in Washington also viewed Yermak as confrontational and controlling, describing him as an obstacle to cooperation,” the paper wrote. After his resignation, Yermak largely disappeared from public life.

Budanov, 39, represents a sharp contrast, the newspaper said. “Most importantly, he has not been linked to any corruption scandals,” journalists noted, highlighting his reputation as a professional military intelligence officer.

Olena Tregub, a public activist and secretary of the independent anti-corruption watchdog NAKO, said the appointment reflects Zelenskyy’s growing focus on security and future negotiations.

“The appointment of Budanov shows that Zelenskyy is deeply concerned about negotiations with Russia, Ukraine’s future military strategy, and broader security issues — including, potentially, his own personal safety in the context of a transfer of power, possible elections, or other political scenarios,” Tregub said.

Zelenskyy confirmed Budanov’s appointment publicly, explaining that it was driven by the need to strengthen coordination on national security and defense. He emphasized that Ukraine must intensify its focus on the development of the Defense and Security Forces, while also reinforcing the diplomatic track of international negotiations.

According to the president, Budanov possesses “unique experience in these areas and sufficient resolve to deliver results.”

Andriy Yermak served as head of the Office of the President from February 11, 2020, to November 28, 2025.

Before his new appointment, Budanov had led the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense since August 5, 2020, having been appointed by presidential decree. He holds the military rank of lieutenant general.

During his tenure in military intelligence, Budanov played a key role in organizing and coordinating intelligence operations amid Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, becoming one of the most prominent and publicly trusted figures in the country’s security establishment.

Russian strike on Kharkiv: death toll rose to five

The death toll from a Russian strike on the city of Kharkiv on 2 January has risen to five, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported.

The Mayor said that another part of a body had been found at the site of the explosions, bringing the number of fatalities to five.

Earlier, local authorities reported that at least five residents were not responding to calls as rescue workers continued searching through the rubble. Emergency services remain at the scene, and the operation is ongoing.

The attack occurred on 2 January, when Russian forces struck a residential high-rise building in Kharkiv. The strike caused extensive destruction, damaged nearby civilian infrastructure, and left multiple residents injured.

Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, is located close to the Russian border and has been subjected to frequent missile and drone attacks throughout the full-scale war, often hitting residential neighborhoods and civilian facilities.

Local authorities said casualty figures may change as search-and-rescue operations and debris removal continue.

Ukraine has returned a 21-year-old deported to Russia

A 21-year-old Ukrainian man has been returned to government-controlled Ukraine after spending three years in enforced isolation in Russia, according to the Bring Kids Back UA initiative.

After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Russian forces forcibly took Dmytro from his home village in temporarily occupied territory to the city of Krasnodar, describing the move as an “evacuation.” In reality, he was deported, cut off from his family and community, and placed under the control of Russian authorities, the initiative reported. During this time, he was forced to obtain a Russian passport, lost his Ukrainian documents, and lived under constant pressure, restrictions, and fear, amid what was described as a policy of indoctrination and forced integration aimed at erasing his Ukrainian identity.

This year, as control over him eased, Dmytro began searching for a way to return home. Aware of the risks after years of surveillance by Russian security services, he acted without delay. He was eventually brought out of Russia through The Way Home: A New Route project, run by the Ukrainian Child Rights Network in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Worldwide.

Bring Kids Back UA reported that Dmytro is now safe in free Ukraine and is receiving the assistance and support needed to recover after years under occupation authorities.