Ukraine’s Zelensky Names Kyrylo Budanov as New Chief of Staff

Kyrylo Budanov, who has served as Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, is seen as a potential rival to Mr. Zelensky if elections are held.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said Friday that he had asked Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the country’s military intelligence agency, to be his new chief of staff, filling a weekslong vacancy left by the resignation of Mr. Zelensky’s right-hand man over a corruption scandal.

The departure in November of the top aide, Andriy Yermak, who had also served as Kyiv’s lead peace negotiator, cleared the way for a political overhaul that had been long deferred by the war. But it also left Mr. Zelensky without his main enforcer at a delicate moment in talks with the United States over ending the war with Russia.

The appointment of Mr. Budanov, 39, would move one of Ukraine’s highest-profile generals into a political role as the country starts to discuss the possibility of elections if a cease-fire can be reached with Moscow.

Mr. Budanov has been seen as a potential rival to Mr. Zelensky as the United States and Russia call for elections in Ukraine. Bringing the general into the presidential office could complicate any run by Mr. Budanov for the presidency.

In announcing his intention to appoint him, Mr. Zelensky said that Ukraine “needs greater focus on security issues,” the development of its defense and security forces, and further progress on the diplomatic track of negotiations.

“Kyrylo has specialized experience in these areas and sufficient strength to deliver results,” Mr. Zelensky wrote on social media.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Andrew E. Kramer contributed reporting.

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