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| Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia |
| Ukrainian Spy Master Kyrylo Budanov Explains His New Job As Top Zelensky Aid |
| 2026-01-06 |
| [TMZ] Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, who Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky named as his new chief of staff on Friday, tells The War Zone that the job will center on figuring out a way to end the war and helping to calm his country’s political turmoil. Until today, Budanov served as the head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR). Budanov’s frequent high-profile attacks on Russia and cool demeanor have made him so famous that memes of him have gone viral. He takes over from Andrii Yermak, a controversial and polarizing figure recently fired for his role in a burgeoning corruption scandal. In a brief but exclusive conversation, Budanov told us his main goals for his new position are "negotiations and stabilization of the internal situation and of course, coordination." He added that he will no longer have a role with GUR’s operations. "It’s absolutely a new page," he told us, noting that he will still be in the military and retain his rank, but will "miss" direct involvement in GUR actions. As for the internal issues he is most concerned about, Budanov said, "I’ll see." |
| Posted by:Besoeker |
| #1 |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2026-01-06 08:30 |